読む
YOMU
means to read in Japanese
by Dennis Sun editorial Spring is a particularly important time of the year in Japan. It is the start of the fiscal year, school year and, of course, the start of the cherry blossom season!
All over the country, family and friends gather round the cherry trees to celebrate with food and drinks, full of admiration for the bountiful, and full of hope for new beginnings that the flowers bring. There are endless posting, sharing, liking and commenting of photos on Facebook and Instagram by both locals and tourists. Welcome to the quintessential Japan! But because of the coronavirus pandemic this year, everyone has to shy away, stay at home and shun the sakura shindigs. It should be health first before the sakura.
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I tried my best to stay at home as much as possible. However, as I have asthma attacks (which has become more frequent), I needed to get fresh air. Being diabetic, exercise is also very important. So I needed to strike the proper balance between a home “lockdown” and healthy outdoor adventures.
As the gyms were closed, the only way I could get fresh air and exercise while avoiding people is by waking up very early in the morning and walk to the nearby mountain park near my home in the eastern part of Shinjuku, Tokyo. Challenge accepted—I don’t know how I did it because I am basically a night creature. Here is my typical routine: - I wake up at 3 AM automatic everyday (without the aid of an alarm clock!). - I spend some time reviewing my Japanese reading and writing. - I do my morning meditation, say my affirmations and come up with my visualizations. - Then, around 4 AM, I would be out and about while it is still dark, and would be enjoying a private walk to the park. I would be welcomed by the giant trees as I go hike up the mountain top. I would feel the fresh cool air and start my stretching and deep breathing exercises.
MAY - JUNE 2020
