The Happiness Tree: Nurturing Gentle Moments in the Hearts of Those Who Visit the Garden

If Chay Garden is a sanctuary where body and soul can find refuge, then the humble Happiness Tree, tucked away in a small courtyard, is the very soul of that garden. It is not merely a decorative feature, but a silent witness to countless stories—a place where acts of kindness are shared, and a resting spot where people realize that happiness is sometimes nothing more than a simple, profoundly authentic moment.

Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, Chay Garden aspires to be a quiet pause. The Happiness Tree was born from that very aspiration: to sow gentle sentiments in the hearts of everyone who stops by.

The Cards That Speak

At first, the Happiness Tree was simply a spot where Chay Garden hung small, charming wooden cards bearing messages of peace—little notes of love sent to our guests. But then, something magical happened. The garden planted a seed, and it was the guests themselves who watered it and helped it grow.

Thus, a “lovely habit” gradually took shape.

Guests began writing on the cards themselves. They wrote about a small joy that had just occurred, words of gratitude to their parents, a wish for peace to the loved one sitting across from them, or a quiet dream for the future. Each card, as a result, was no longer an inanimate object; it became a whisper, a carefully wrapped slice of emotion.

Whenever a special occasion arose—a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a full-moon day when one wants to slow down—regular guests would return with their loved ones. They would share a simple vegetarian meal together, then pause by the Happiness Tree, carefully writing and hanging wishes of goodwill. The tree grew ever more lush—not just with leaves, but with the love and presence of people.

A Thread Connecting Souls

Hanging a wish card on the tree is not an elaborate ritual. It is simply an opportunity to pause. To pause mid-meal, mid-conversation, to truly look within oneself and closely at the person beside you.

In this beloved vegetarian garden, Chay Garden has always believed that the true value of a meal lies not only in delicious food. More importantly, it lies in those precious moments when the whole family is fully “present.” Grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren—all gathered there, free from phones, free from work worries, simply being fully there for one another.

In that space, vegetarian dishes—with their lightness, simplicity, and evocative qualities—naturally become the thread that ties emotions together. A wholesome meal eases tension and opens the heart. When the soul has softened enough, the Happiness Tree becomes the place for expression.

The wooden cards serve as bridges between souls that are sometimes too shy to speak directly. Words of thanks to parents that have never been voiced, expressions of love for a partner, or words of encouragement to keep going—all are gently entrusted to the tree.

“Thank you, Mom, for always being there for me. I wish you everlasting joy and health.”

“May our family always be safe and happy, just like today’s meal.”

“As long as we can still sit together like this, every day is special.”

Those messages may never be spoken aloud by the writer, but the recipient will read them. And happiness spreads from there.

Planting a Seed of Goodness Each Day

The Happiness Tree is not a destination; it is a journey. Each day brings new cards carrying new stories. The tree continues to grow, nourished by the kindness that guests bestow upon it.

It stands there in the small courtyard, a gentle reminder that happiness is never far away. Happiness resides in the appreciation we give to the present moment, in the meal we share, in the loved ones we have, and in the wholesome things we choose to nurture our souls.

For Chay Garden, the Happiness Tree is a priceless treasure. It symbolizes the philosophy we always pursue: not only to offer delicious food, but also to plant and cultivate positive emotions and genuine connections.

If you ever visit the Garden, please take a moment to pause by the Happiness Tree and write down something gentle from the depths of your heart. Who knows— the peaceful wish you send out today may become a soothing shade of calm for another soul seeking refuge tomorrow.