Blessings of Nature Festa

Dear Spiritual Friends,

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Seicho-No-Ie New York Missionary Area held the Blessings of Nature Festa in Central Park. Last year, we had planned a similar event, Central Park Day, but it was unfortunately canceled due to bad weather. This time, with the blessing of clear autumn skies, we were able to joyfully connect with nature.

To deepen our experience, we invited birdwatcher Ellen Yamaguchi to guide us through lesser-known parts of Central Park. Our intention was to observe birds migrating south from Canada. While we hoped to see a variety of migratory species, the birds had gathered in areas rich in insects, nuts, and fruit, which didn’t align with our path. Still, we had the pleasure of touring the flowers of Shakespeare Garden, the Arthur Ross Pinetum, Belvedere Castle, and Turtle Pond. I knew Central Park had a castle, but this was my first time visiting it.

Participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and several expressed a desire for more nature-based gatherings in the future. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ellen Yamaguchi for her expert guidance and to Jacqueline Fleming and Seiko Iwata for their support with preparations. Thank you as well to everyone who joined us, especially those who traveled from afar.

(Reported by Mario Kawakami)

 Change Negative to Positive Workshop

Rev. Mario Kawakami

Acting Bishop, Seicho-No-Ie U.S. 

Missionary Headquarters Chief, Seicho-No-Ie New York 

Missionary Area

On September 28, we held the Change Negative to Positive Workshop, designed to help participants transform negative thoughts and attitudes into positive ones. The workshop continued the message of our public lecture from two years ago: “Change Brings Growth and Opportunity.”

Change allows us to reshape our lives—to become healthier, more successful, and more prosperous. For those facing illness, poverty, or instability, change opens the door to transformation and hope.

“Motive Power” in a World of Uncertain Change

Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi, Founder of Seicho-No-Ie, wrote:

“This world is a world of only reflections of the mind. Therefore, we must learn that it is controlled by our mind and actually prove that we control it with our mind. If we cannot control the physical world with our mind, no doubt it will conversely end up controlling us. Those of you who have been controlled by the physical world until now, change the way you think. As is written in Genesis, believe that a human being, as the ruler of all things, was given the ability to rule over all creatures. You will eventually become one who can control the physical world as you believe with your mind.

This physical world is a world of uncertain change. A world of uncertain change refers to a world that changes without a set form. There is a fundamental reason that we can control the physical world... If this were an unchanging, fixed world, everything would stop. However, we are saved because it is a world that can change. Grasp the ‘motive power’ of that change. If you do, you can rule over all things in this world.

 (Truth of Life, January 2009 issue)

We must be grateful that we live in a world where change is possible—because change allows us to shape our reality.

Do Not See Failure as Failure

Rev. Taniguchi also taught the following:

“No matter how things may appear to have failed now, do not think of it as being failure and give way to feelings of inferiority. Failures or mistakes are not defeat. They are simply a type of experiment that shows actions taken in those situations invite those results. This adds new material for experience for the self. This is adding and is rather an acquiring of something. True defeat begins when the person succumbs to feelings of inferiority…” 

(Truth of Life, November 2008 issue)

We must remember: failure is not defeat. In fact, failure is the mother of success.

Take Steve Jobs, for example. He was fired from the very company he founded—Apple. While it seemed like a devastating failure, he didn’t stay in that place of defeat. Using the power of thought, he rebuilt himself and returned stronger than ever.

This world is shaped by our thoughts, words, and actions. If we change our words and actions, we can change our results. But if we remain stuck in negative thinking, we remain trapped. Reframing failure as part of growth can change our entire outlook—and our future.

The Practice of Reframing Negatives into Positives

Rev. Taniguchi encouraged us to reframe negative thoughts to avoid falling into inferiority complex. There are 12 examples of how negative traits can be seen in a positive light—helpful in employee development, education, and personal growth.

Here are 12 initial examples: 

	Negative	Positive
1-	Narrow-minded	Goal-oriented
2-	Indecisive	Deliberate thinker
3-	Lack of cooperation	Independent
4-	Stingy	Budget-conscious; Financially disciplined
5-	Very picky	Determined and adamant
6-	Quiet	Emotionally stable
7-	Can’t read the room	Unconcerned with social pressure
8-	Introverted	Has rich inner world
9-	Lack of planning	Action-oriented; flexible
10-	Lack of initiative	Cooperative; team player
11-	Meddlesome	Compassionate; cannot ignore others in need
12-	Perfectionist	Detail-oriented; produces High-quality work

Below are six reframing examples with practical applications:

1- Narrow-minded → Goal-oriented

Supervisor to subordinate:

“You’re so narrow-minded. You can’t accept that this step failed.”

Rephrased:

“Even though this step didn’t go well, your attention to detail shows you’re goal-oriented and focused on all aspects of the project. I believe you’ll succeed soon.”

3- Lack of cooperation → Independent

To a co-worker:

“You’re not cooperative. You should consider your teammates more.” 

Rephrased:

“Although mutual support is important, your independence allowed you to develop this program successfully.”

5- Very picky → Determined and adamant

Mother to daughter:

“All these shoes are the same. Don’t be so picky!”

Rephrased:

“You’re determined to find the best pair for the prom. That’s why you’ll choose the most suitable one and enjoy your night with confidence.”

7- Can’t read the room → Doesn’t gauge others’ reactions

To a friend:

“Can’t you read the room? You overthink things.”

Rephrased:

“You think freely and aren’t swayed by others' reactions, which lets you express yourself honestly.

9- Lack of planning → Action-oriented; adaptable

To a subordinate:

“He lacks planning skills.”

Rephrased:

“His experience helps him stay action-oriented, adaptable, and able to respond to unexpected challenges.”

11- Meddlesome → Compassionate; can’t ignore others

To a friend:

“He’s always poking his nose into others’ business—he even commented on my daughter’s wedding!”

Rephrased:

“He’s compassionate and can’t ignore people in need. He even offered thoughtful suggestions about my daughter’s wedding.”

Final Thoughts

This workshop just the beginning—we’ve covered 12 of 50 reframing examples. As you train your mind and reinterpret, your thoughts naturally become more positive. This isn’t just self-help—it’s a transformational tool that can improve relationships, workplace communication, and personal happiness.

With practice, positive thinking becomes a habit. And this habit changes how you see the world—and how the world responds to you.

Please join us at our next workshop as we continue mastering the art of turning the negative into the positive.

We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events. May you continue to transform your life through positive thoughts, gratitude, and action. 

Warm regards, 

Rev. Mario Kawakami