Cherry blossoms started blooming in our front yard. I’ve been waiting since the last flower fell last year!, but they only bloom for a week. These beautiful flowers make me realize how important it is to appreciate what you have right in this moment.
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We have been under a “Shelter in Place” order since March 17. There are not many things I can do besides staying at home which is apparently needed the most now (unless you are a medical or emergency responding professional) to not spread the virus through personal contact.
Although all my tea classes and programs were cancelled (my semi-annual trip going back to Japan, too), I am fortunate to have a husband who can work from home. My step-daughters are old enough to take care of themselves. So, I try to keep my routine as much as possible - running three times a week, walking with our 12-year old Shih Tzu everyday, gardening once a week, and cooking for the family as much as possible. The additional times that I’m grateful to have now make it possible to read more, practice piano and voice, and catch up on the things that have been neglected for a long time such as organizing the closet etc…. Keeping myself busy as usual is a good way to avoid worrying too much about what’s happening in the world.
I have hung the scroll, 「平常心是道」(Everyday mind is the Way), since the beginning of SIP - It is a great reminder for me that It is more important to have '“HEIJO-SHIN (everyday mind) in a very difficult time. I just do whatever I can do right now.
Stay at home, save lives!
