How to make "stillness" the theme in bonsai creation?
I used to think freedom meant doing whatever you want, with no one to supervise you and no restrictions, and that was the only way to live comfortably. Only later did I realize that freedom comes from self-discipline; indulgence does not bring inner ease, but rather surrounds you with aimless anxiety. When a person lacks self-management, their judgments are always influenced by habit and immediate temptation, or disturbed by other people's thoughts and views, echoing what others say and drifting with the tide, and it is almost impossible for them to ever do what their heart truly longs to do.
When you are in a bad mood, do not listen to sad songs. Self-pity not only fails to solve the problem, it only makes you sink deeper; when you cannot control your emotions well, make your life so busy that you have no time to complain. No time to learn, no time to experience, no time to be a little better to the people you care about; with so many things you have no time for, where is the time to fret over nothing?
Usually, change is subtle and gradual, and progress accumulates in tiny increments; bit by bit, that accumulation is more powerful. So in life, the more ordinary the companionship, the longer it lasts. The more a person experiences, the gentler they become, like the ocean: the more it holds, the calmer it is. With mountains and seas in the heart, there is stillness without bounds. May you and I both cultivate a sea within the heart, and smile as we watch partings and reunions!
No need for lush branches and leaves, being vivid is enough; no need for earth-shaking drama, being quiet is fine. Writing down the word "stillness" for yourself or for the little tree in the pot is perhaps not only a record of the mood of the moment, but also a lasting encouragement and release.
Materials:
Camel elm (Ulmus pumila 'Camel'), bamboo charcoal
Making:
First spread a layer of ceramic stone at the bottom of the pot, then add soil, plant the camel elm and secure it, and finally cover with moss and sprinkle with bamboo charcoal.