Jeepney Press Editorial: YOMU by Dennis Sun

読む “YOMU” means to read in Japanese よむ by Dennis Sun

These are certainly challenging times. The COVID-19 virus has turned the world as we know it upside down. Companies in Japan have been forced to catch-up with the rest of the world on the “work from home” concept. The Olympic Games have been delayed, schools put on hiatus, and the Shibuya Crossing lost its signature character.

We continue to pray for those who are sick, and the medical community who take care of them and risk their own lives. We also pray for the researchers who are racing to nd the cure and a vaccine, which is our best hope to get back to normal. But we also need to take care of our ourselves. Beyond frequent hand washing, we need to acknowledge that this virus is also taking its toll on our mental health.

We are friendly and social beings, yet the safest thing to do now is isolate ourselves, to stay at home and keep our distance from fellow human beings. Anxiety abounds. How do we manage?

06 As I write this, it is the middle of April, and since March, I have been staying at home most of the times. I went back to reviewing my Japanese textbooks from a long time ago. Started some online courses. Unstued some of the remaining boxes in the storage room. Stopped buying bento and going out for lunch and dinner. I have been cooking healthy dishes everyday and am enjoying it immensely.

As I am asthmatic, it’s necessary that I get good fresh air. Tokyo might not have good air quality, but I am lucky to be living near the several enormous parks of Tokyo. Every time I do my groceries, I pass by Toyama Park where Mt. Hakoneyama stands in the middle and surrounded by giant sakura trees and other giant forest trees. It’s just a 5 minute walk from where I live. I spend about an hour or so walking, stretching, hiking on the slopes, and doing my deep breathing exercises. A few minutes of these and I am already feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Being alone with nature can bring back our energy and restore our mood.

In Japan, there is a practice called SHINRIN-YOKU which means forest bathing. With this practice, one doesn’t need to run, jog or do any sort of exercise. It is simply being in nature, and connecting yourself through your senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. By unplugging yourself from technology, we can slow down our life through forest bathing and receive a good impact on our health. Feast your eyes on the verdant leaves, enjoy the scent of the fragrant owers, damp soil, and grass. Taste the fresh air and just connect with nature.

We in Japan are very lucky that there are parks almost every where even in the metropolitan Tokyo. Parks are an important part of a small community where families can play together. An hour train ride away from Tokyo could bring one to the mountains and seas.

But then, you don’t need a forest. You can forest-bathe anywhere. Just look for trees. Or do it at a nearby park or even a garden. And just start to breathe!

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind.

Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is the only moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh