The last few days have been a lot of getting work done. There was still a lot to get done for my WordPress development company before being able to take my holidays. So there wasn’t actually that much exploring. Anyhow, I was glad to be a bit longer in one place. So I stayed around the Tokyo area and enjoyed all the delicious food goodies that Japan has to offer. From the freshest running sushi to gorgeous bowls of black garlic ramen with all the possible extras. So on that side, it’s been very enjoyable.
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
And as I was about to wrap up to start the Shikoku Pilgrimage (an 88-temple hiking route on the island of Japan), or more so finish it because in 2015 I already visited 75 temples and hiked more than 1000 km, an inner voice became louder inside me. Is this really what I need and want right now? While my time in Japan was very stimulating with tasty food, lots of sounds, and new sights everywhere (think billboards and cute explanation cartoons), I wondered if this is actually what I want. To finish the pilgrimage, it would take about 140 km, which is quite doable in 5 days or so. Last time, I carried a 20 kg backpack and camped in my tent every night. This time, I would carry a light load and stay in ryokans, which are traditional Japanese guesthouses. To give you the context, here are some pictures from last time.
To Hike or Not to Hike? What is my priority right now?
So, taking it all in Tokyo, I felt a bit lonely, especially after a recent breakup. Traveling around Tokyo, including the seaside city Zushi, it was difficult for me to find people to connect with. I’m currently in this odd state between wanting quiet time for myself and also wanting to connect with people. It’s somewhere in between and hard to put into words. Maybe you know what I’m referring to. It’s a weird feeling that takes time to process.
While hiking would give me a lot of time to think, I already had plenty of introspection in the last few days in Tokyo. Getting around, working on the computer, and eating out are all very ritualized. Once you know the ritual, it’s easy to blend in. Everything has a process, and there are constantly people guiding you through it. While there’s some space for individuality, I found it challenging after a few days. German culture can be rigorous, but Japan takes it to the next level. The same conformity is evident in people wearing uniforms, strictly forming lines, and everything being so ordered. I have a lot of admiration for that, but I also like to be surprised.
Given my headspace, my experience is probably quite biased. Being completely on holiday would make it easier. Adapting to a new city and culture takes mental energy, which I didn’t have much of in the last few weeks.
In terms of interactions I had some lovely interactions, and Japanese people are very kind and warm in their way. I still felt that I couldn’t fully express myself, especially given I only know basic Japanese. And after all the emotional turmoil from lately there is a lot of need to deeply connect. And that is first with myself, and then also with the people around me.
Switching Plans and Pace: Yoga – Meditation – Fitness
So, how can I get the most headspace for the time being? I can come back to Japan another time to fully take it in, with more headspace. Probably next spring, which is also a better time for hiking than the middle of the summer in July.
So I choose to return to a place I already know: Thailand. It’s nice, predictable, and easier to get around with English. I’ve decided to do a retreat to be fully immersed. There’s a Yoga-Meditation-Fitness retreat on Koh Samui that I’ll give a go. They also have a no-technology policy, which sounds perfect given my high dopamine levels lately. I will wind down and fully connect with my body and the people around me. To reflect on my thoughts more structured, I got a little notebook to take handwritten notes in.
The program has a very structured day with activities for 5 hours, so I’ll have some guidance and can really switch off my planning mind. Usually, my thinking, organizing, and worrying parts of my mind are quite active. I’m really excited to give it a go as it’s my first retreat of this kind.
P.S.: To share more of the Japan vibes, here are some of my favorite photos and videos.
