Paris Morning: Scenic Beauty by the Lake in Bois de Vincennes

Photos and text by Chen Chi-Hsiang. The vibrant Bois de Vincennes is the largest oasis in the capital (nearly one thousand hectares) and the biggest outdoor leisure space on the eastern edge of Paris. In this vast forest, trees are lush and diverse; almost all French tree species can be found here, much like a botanical garden. Within these green open spaces lies a small Vincennes Zoo, a castle, a horticultural academy, a racetrack, the Georges Lefèvre Farm, the famous Rose Garden, three artificial lakes, two restaurants, and a Tibetan Buddhist temple, among other things. It also serves as a temporary playground for fairs and circus performances, making it an all-encompassing paradise for outdoor activities.

Bois de Vincennes is my usual weekend spot for practicing qigong and leisure with friends. Especially since the opening of the outer ring light rail in recent years, it has become even more convenient, reachable in just over ten minutes for a stroll. Natural beauty varies with the seasons, and I am no stranger to the aesthetic charm of Parisian gardens throughout the year. As someone who considers himself a flower enthusiast, every park or garden in Paris feels like my own backyard, accessible and enjoyable anywhere. Having written Exploring Flowers in the Capital and Western Garden Art, I am particularly sensitive to flora and have a unique sensitivity to beauty.

I am familiar with the mornings at Bois de Vincennes due to my qigong practice, often having the opportunity to appreciate its distinctive scenery. At the end of this summer vacation, we held a two-week qigong study camp by the lake, inviting Teacher Chen from Taiwan to teach us. Admiring the natural beauty by the lake became my greatest daily pleasure. Beauty exists as a state of being; a single glance at "beautiful scenery" brings contentment. "Beauty" is always beyond words. Whether to capture it in images is another matter; beauty cannot be kept. To appreciate it is happiness. Cherish the present moment, as I do not carry a camera with me.

On the day the qigong study ended, early in the morning when few people were around, the lake in Bois de Vincennes was shrouded in thick fog. Water vapor floated cloud-like on the surface, so beautiful that words failed. A joyful and fulfilled state of mind shook my existence. At that very moment, I happened to have my camera with me. Seizing this beautiful instant, I captured the scenery I admired, leaving these images of the lake's "beauty." Beauty is something encountered rather than sought; it awakens the human spirit and ignites the spark of life.