Mindful Monday

Volunteering to find your tribe: Japanese American Cemetery Cleanup

May 07, 2025

Every since I moved to the US with my husband Makoto, I didn’t really feel like I was part of a community. At least, not in the sense like I fit in with my MBA and work friends and then with my husband’s family who were living all around his ancestral home.

Sometimes self-care means canceling plans you’ve been looking forward to

April 08, 2025

Last Friday, I found myself in a situation that many outdoor enthusiasts can relate to: the dreaded decision to cancel a camping trip due to a rain forecast. This would have been our first camping trip of the season, at a spot we've visited at least once a month from April to October over the past few years.

Doing Little Jobs Around the House: Repairing Shoji After Winter

April 07, 2025

Spring is the time for my husband's family to repair shoji screens, and I wanted to share how I find mindfulness and playfulness in this everyday task.

Embracing the seasons: walking and hiking in Japan and California

April 09, 2025

In Japan the changing seasons are a big deal, and I really appreciate how I felt encouraged to slow down and enjoy nature while I lived there.

Traditional Japanese home insurance: House Gods (Kami - 神)

April 30, 2025

In Japan, house gods, or Kami (神), are a big part of the culture. People believe these spirits help protect homes and keep everyone safe from bad luck and nasty spirits. I don’t have a fancy 'kamidana' shelf, but I do have a place in my apartment on my 'memory shelf' for a cute trio of bronze Jizo statues.

It's Koromogai (衣替え) time again!

May 02, 2025

Even though the weather was a bit meh this weekend, I decided to change my wardrobe to its summer version. It took me about an hour to exchange the highly seasonal items like fleece pj's and fluffy winter socks for tank tops and dresses and shorts.