Envying a Day in Jigokudani Monkey Park

As I step into Jigokudani, the hot spring pools shrouded in white mist reveal specks of brown, which I initially thought were fallen leaves. Upon closer inspection, I realize that dozens of macaques are soaking in the hot springs with their eyes closed, snow covering their heads like white woolen hats. They stretch their limbs, letting snowflakes melt on their noses, resembling humans relaxing in a hot bath. At this moment, the boundary between humans and nature quietly dissolves. These 'snow monkeys' teach us in their most primitive form that the warmth of winter needs no words to explain. Perhaps true paradise is found in the ordinary moments of tranquility shared by all living things.