44°49'48"N,
93°19'54"W
Normandale Community College
Bloomington, MN
After the hectic activities and fun of the holiday season has passed, those of us in the northern latitudes face the dreariness of the dead of winter. More often than not the sky is gray, the sun is hidden, and the landscape is defined by a black and white dullness. On the occasional day the sun breaks through the murk, the frozen world seems to come alive again. These are my favorite of winter days, and I make sure I get outdoors for a natural dose of Vitamin D from the gleaming sunshine. Earlier this week was just such a day, and I was anxious to go out and find something in the metro area I had not yet discovered. A random Google search provided a destination that seemed to hold potential. On the campus of Normandale Community College sits a petite authentic Japanese Garden.The web site boasts this small oasis of serenity offers a place "ideal for contemplation and renewal of the spirit". After suffering through record-setting cold and snow in December and the natural let down of the end of the holidays, I felt my spirit could definitely use some renewing.
Understanding, of course, the winter weather would most likely render the place a bit less serene than visiting during the other seasons, I set off to check it out anyway. When I arrived the conditions were a bit challenging for sure. Even with bright sunlight the temperature was a mere five degrees above zero, and the garden was buried under lots and lots of snow. To add to the less-than-calming atmosphere, heavy construction was occurring to the college buildings directly adjacent to the garden. I literally had to trudge through a snow drift and squeeze past a giant crane and truck to gain entry. But I forged on, and once inside the walled entrance I could see the effort was worthwhile.
A dominating feature was the hexagonal-shaped building, called a Bentendo, which stands beside the frozen, snow-covered lagoon. The red paint of this building as well as the adjoining arched bridge and longer bridge in the distance stood out vividly against the pure white of the snow and the bold blue of the winter sky. I made a circular walk around the frozen lagoon and imagined what it might be like in different seasons: the soothing sound of water falling and flowing into the lagoon, the burst of cherry and apple blossoms in the spring, wind-chimes gently playing in a warm breeze. Yes, I definitely think a person could create a little Zen moment here. I'm glad I happened upon this place, and although this particular day was not conducive to providing much spiritual renewal, I'm contented to have observed the winter view that I'll now compare to other seasons throughout the year.
When the weather warms up and the construction is complete, I'll make another visit to the Japanese Garden when I'm certain to enjoy it for its intended purpose.
