Evergreen Reads to Empower Your Mind
The Standard Sister
Issue no.12
The Spring Issue
March 28, 2025
Robert Burns, The Hunt, 1926
Springtime
Before we even had a chance to blink, spring has arrived once again—earlier than ever in some places. Unlike any other season, spring is always welcomed with open arms, marking a time of renewal, fresh beginnings, and stepping back out into the world after winter’s retreat.
In our spring issue, we dive into the wonders of sakura, the breathtaking cherry blossoms now in full bloom across Japan and beyond. We explore what they symbolize in Japanese culture and the lessons we can take from them.
We reflect on how to become like a tree—rooting ourselves deeply while reaching toward the sky. We revisit how artists from the 19th and 20th centuries captured the essence of spring through their work. And we spotlight Artists Support, an initiative that grants artists the freedom to contribute to the causes that truly matter to them.
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The Wonder of Sakura
Philosophy- Article by The Standard Sister
Few natural phenomena capture the fleeting beauty of life as profoundly as cherry blossoms, or sakura, in Japan. These delicate pink and white flowers bloom for only a short period each spring, transforming landscapes into fairytales. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, cherry blossoms hold deep cultural, historical, and philosophical significance.
Cherry blossoms have been celebrated in Japan for over a thousand years, with their first recorded mentions in poetry from the Heian period (794–1185). Originally associated with imperial court culture, cherry blossoms became symbols of renewal, beauty, and the transient nature of life.
The Japanese concept of "mono no aware"—a deep awareness of the transience of all things—finds perfect expression in cherry blossoms. Just as sakura bloom brilliantly for a moment before falling away, life itself is a cycle of emergence and passing. Rather than resisting this inevitability, the Japanese embrace it. This appreciation for the impermanence of beauty naturally extends to the tradition of hanami, the custom of admiring cherry blossoms, which has been observed since the 8th century. Gathering under the blooming trees to appreciate their beauty is more than just a seasonal event—it is a ritual that invites contemplation. The blossoms’ short-lived splendor is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of existence, reinforcing the philosophical themes of mono no aware in everyday life.
The sakura bloom for a very brief time, usually just a week or two before their petals fall and scatter in the wind. This fleeting existence has led to the belief that catching a falling sakura petal while it drifts through the air or as it touches the ground can bring about inner discoveries and self-reflection.
More than that, in Japanese folklore and Shinto beliefs, sakura trees are often thought to harbor the spirits of ancestors. Some traditions suggest that the falling petals symbolize souls returning to nature, reinforcing the idea that life is cyclical. During hanami, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors may be present among the blossoms, watching over their descendants. In some regions, offerings are even made beneath cherry trees as a way of honoring past generations.
Furthermore, the connection between sakura and the samurai deepens its spiritual symbolism. Just as the petals fall at the peak of their beauty, samurai were taught to embrace the impermanence of life and face death with honor. The cherry blossom thus became a powerful symbol of ephemeral existence and graceful acceptance of fate.
There are over 400 varieties of cherry trees in Japan, each with its own unique characteristics, such as Fugenzo and Yamazakura. Each variety has its own peak blooming period and regional significance, adding to the diversity of Japan’s cherry blossom season.
Cherry blossoms have been a prominent theme in Japanese art and aesthetics, appearing in ukiyo-e woodblock prints, kimono patterns, and even modern branding. Though deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, major fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton and Dior have drawn inspiration from sakura’s soft hues and delicate petals.
Cherry blossoms have also become international symbols of beauty and renewal. Cities such as Washington D.C., Paris, and Vancouver have embraced cherry blossom festivals, strengthening cultural ties between Japan and the world.
As another sakura season approaches, The Standard Sister encourages you to adopt the sakura way of life—nothing lasts forever, so embrace and enjoy it while it blooms.
It's Your Time To Blossom
Wellness- Article by The Standard Sister
The phrase “people can’t change” is one of the most limiting beliefs a person can hold. Change and growth are at the heart of what it means to be human. When you stay stuck in old habits, outdated thoughts, and patterns you adopted from childhood, you’re not staying true to your present self—you’re carrying a version of yourself that once served a purpose but may now be holding you back.
Life constantly brings changes—getting married, becoming a mother, landing a significant promotion—but if we don’t evolve alongside them, we are resisting the natural current of life. To experience life fully, we must embrace change—not just once, but constantly. Just like everything in nature evolves, we, too, must allow ourselves to transform. Here are a few key points worth remembering as you move forward on your journey of self-growth:
1. Cultivate Your Roots: Build a Strong Foundation
Just as a tree relies on its roots for nourishment and stability, personal growth begins with a strong foundation. This means knowing who you are, what you value, and what truly nourishes your soul. Take as much time as needed to rediscover yourself, to reflect on your core beliefs, fears, and support system, because when you are certain of your roots, you are free to grow into the next version of yourself.
2. Embrace the Seasons: Accept Change and Transition
Nature teaches us that every season has its purpose—growth, rest, shedding, and rebirth. In life, we must learn to flow with changes rather than resist them. Whether you’re experiencing a season of rapid progress or one of quiet introspection, trust that each phase is essential for your evolution. Accept it, let it be, and remember—this too shall pass.
3. Nurture Your Growth: Prioritize Self-Care and Learning
Blossoms don’t appear overnight; they require patience, care, and the right environment. Growth happens when you commit to learning, developing new skills, and taking care of your well-being. This means setting boundaries that serve you, fueling your mind with enriching, long-lasting experiences, and prioritizing your time for people who energize you, encourage you, teach you something new, or simply show they love you.
4. Bloom Boldly: Show Up as Your Authentic Self
Cherry blossoms don’t hesitate to bloom; they open up fully and unapologetically. Step into your power with confidence—express yourself, take risks, and make decisions with conviction. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, so embrace new opportunities, even when they feel uncertain. Don’t settle for less than the life you want.
5. Be Like a Tree and Let the Dead Leaves Drop
Just as blossoms fall to make room for new ones, growth requires letting go. Release what no longer serves you—fears, limiting beliefs, toxic relationships. When you clear space in your life, you invite in new experiences, people, and possibilities that align with your highest self.
There are countless books, podcasts, retreats, and practices that can guide you through personal growth, but as the saying goes:
“When the student is ready the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready... The teacher will Disappear.” (Tao Te Ching).
Spring By The Masters
Art- Article by The Standard Sister
Spring has always been a symbol of transformation, so it’s almost obvious why so many artists have been inspired by it. Throughout history, we can see brilliant representations of spring by different artists: from the lush landscapes of the Impressionists to the mythological interpretations of the Renaissance, and even the radical deconstructions of the avant-garde. These works all explore themes of reinvention, rebirth, and renewal through different colors, shapes, compositions, and perspectives. Here are The Standard Sister’s favorite depictions of spring—whether you are an artist or simply a woman who appreciates beauty.
Joan Miró , L’Or de l’azur (1967)
Sandro Botticelli (Italian Renaissance) – "Primavera" (1482)
One of the most famous paintings of the Renaissance, Botticelli’s Primavera—as Giorgio Vasari named it in 1550—is a masterpiece of symbolism, mythology, and intricate composition. The painting, bursting with over 500 species of plants, represents the awakening of nature. The central figure, Venus, stands as a serene embodiment of harmony, while Flora, the goddess of flowers, scatters petals, symbolizing fertility and new beginnings. The Standard Sister’s favorite part of the painting is the Three Graces, dancing in unison—a theme that has inspired many artists in the centuries since.
Vincent van Gogh (Dutch Post-Impressionist) – "Almond Blossoms" (1890)
Painted as a gift for his newborn nephew, Almond Blossoms is one of Van Gogh’s most personal and hopeful works. The delicate branches of almond trees, painted against a bright blue sky, symbolize new beginnings and resilience. Unlike his usual impassioned, swirling strokes, this piece exudes a quiet, almost meditative serenity, reflecting the joy and fragility of life’s constant renewal.
Paul Gauguin (French Post-Impressionist) –
"Three Tahitian Women" (1896)
Gauguin, known for his bold colors and depictions of Tahitian life, captured the essence of femininity and renewal in Three Tahitian Women. The painting portrays three women carrying flowers, symbolizing fertility, growth, and the eternal connection between women and nature. Gauguin’s work often explored themes of primitivism and spirituality, and this piece is a celebration of spring’s vitality and abundance.
Georgia O’Keeffe (American Modernist) –
"Red Poppy" (1927)
O’Keeffe, one of the most influential modernist painters, captured the essence of spring through her bold and intimate floral paintings. Red Poppy magnifies the beauty of a single bloom, emphasizing its details and rich colors, reminding us to look closer at nature’s small yet extraordinary moments of renewal.
Joan Miró (Spanish Surrealist) – "L'Or de l'Azur" (1967)
Miró’s Surrealist forms and biomorphic shapes embody the playfulness and organic movement of spring. His whimsical, colorful compositions reflect themes of rebirth, evoking both the subconscious and the natural world.
Cy Twombly (American Abstract Expressionist) – "Quattro Stagioni: Primavera" (1993-95)
Twombly’s gestural abstraction represents spring as an emotional and physical season, full of layered colors, movement, and expressive energy. His brushstrokes suggest nature itself is alive on the canvas.
these works remind us of the impermanence and magic of the season. As spring arrives once again, perhaps we too can embrace its lessons—finding renewal in our own lives, appreciating the moment, and allowing ourselves to bloom.
Q&A With Artists Support
Art is more than just creation—it’s a process that requires time, resources, and a sustainable foundation. Yet, many artists find themselves navigating an industry that often overlooks these needs. Artists Support is an innovative initiative designed to provide artists with the tools to create while staying true to their values and creative freedom.
Founded to empower artists in their charitable contributions, the initiative challenges the traditional model in which artists are asked to donate their work for fundraising without having a say in the cause. Instead, Artists Support gives artists agency—allowing them to choose the charities and initiatives they truly want to support through their art.
Clara Zevi, the co-founder of Artists Support, joins us for this Q&A in the Spring Issue. "Just as I want to know what paintings artists are drawn to and what books they read, I also want to know what issues matter to them," says Clara Zevi. "If I can help an artist raise money for a cause close to their heart, I know I’ve done my job."
By reshaping the relationship between artists, collectors, and philanthropy, Artists Support transforms art into a tool for impact—where passion meets purpose, and creativity becomes a catalyst for change.
Q: Which quality/ word define your past?
A: A**hole. Younger me was a total a**hole to myself. Things got much better when I let go of that.
Q: Which quality/ word defining your present?
A: Right now I’m learning how to listen. How to actually listen.
Q: Which quality/ word will define your future?
A: I hope it will be “learning”. There’s so much more that I want to know about the art being made today, and art of the past.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
A: I live on a beautiful square with a big garden. Most days I’ll go for a walk around it as soon as I’m out of bed, to wake myself up. If I don’t manage, I’ll look into the garden from my bedroom window and scour it for new flowers or leaves. I’m forever waiting for springtime.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and from whom?
A: I don’t entirely believe in giving or receiving advice. We all take from our own experiences and sometimes these are just too far removed from the people we are
giving advice to or receiving advice from. Having said that I recently read Simon Sinek’s book "Start With Why", which taught me that if you can’t answer why you are doing something, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it.
Q: What or who is your guilty pleasure?
A: I love looking into strangers’ homes from the street or from my own apartment. I make up stories about their lives from seeing what they have hanging on their walls and what they’re making for dinner.
Q: What turns you on/ off?
A: On: People that care about helping others.
Off: People that take advantage of artists.
Q: What makes you feel at home, even when you’re away from home?
A: My husband
Q: If you could meet any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
A: Agnes Gund, she has revolutionized philanthropy in the arts.
Q: How do you express love?
A: I give the people I love my time.
Q: What’s your favorite word?
A: Marginalia, which means the notes or drawings in margins. In Medieval books the drawings are often so absurd – you’ll find a monk plate spinning next to a bunny rabbit in handcuffs. Marginalia sounds grand which I think is fitting. Sometimes what you find
in the margins is more important than what you read in the text.
Q: Who is your hero/heroine in real life?
A: My mother. She has five children each of whom receives buckets of care and support from her, and she runs a successful business, has a posse of loyal girlfriends and she’s
hot.
