Golden Time
Ono Karori
Lately, I've started to enjoy getting up early in the morning, like a hibernating insect.
After giving birth, my daily routine, which had been disrupted due to night crying and breastfeeding, is gradually starting to get back into order.
I started copying out the Heart Sutra for about 15 minutes every morning on February 2nd of this year, and before I knew it, it's already been 31 days, and I've gotten back to the first line.
I had never studied calligraphy, nor was I well versed in Buddhism, but I had always wondered, "What am I? What is this world? How do these things manifest? Do they really have substance?"
This sutra, which simply states this message, was something I felt comfortable absorbed in, and I began copying it out of curiosity to learn more.
It's strange because a few years ago I had no interest in it at all!
When I actually tried it, I was prone to getting caught up in the quality of my handwriting and thinking, "It's crap!", but as I continued, I realized that whether it was good or bad was merely a by-product of continuing, and more than that, I think it's interesting how it reflects my current state of mind, which is why I continue. If I write on a day when I'm swamped with things to do, my handwriting becomes messy. When I calm down and put my heart and soul into each character, I write each character neatly.
It starts with a writing meditation, then I take out my notebook and check my schedule for the day and upcoming events.
We'll get to work on what needs to be done from there.
After that, the children started waking up one by one and golden time ended!
Even if you think you have prepared your mind, the world is often not what you want it to be, and this is tested every day until you see your children off to school or kindergarten...lol
Meanwhile, since the beginning of this year, I have developed a little habit of taking my second son and daughter for a walk on the way to school to see them off as their elementary school team arrives.
During those few minutes enjoying the fresh air before the sun had fully risen, I was able to have casual conversations with the children and feel like I was enjoying some precious time.
Perhaps it is because I enjoy that time that I am able to notice that the same road I walk every day is not exactly the same as yesterday.
When I was at home sending my kids off, annoyed at them for being so slow to get ready, I felt like I was trapped and tossed around by my own emotions inside my own little box, unaware of the small changes in the world.
I started to create many small golden moments.
I was able to escape from the mindset that I couldn't do anything .
Even if I was writing the Heart Sutra, when my children woke up early in the morning,
It's normal to have days when I get annoyed and think, "They're here to bother me."
Don't forget that everyone is giving me these days of training.
Starting this weekend, we will be making aluminum spoons every day, so it looks like we will be busy every day!
Last time, we had a great excitement with the fire starter, and now we are starting an exhibition by Jiro Nagase, who is skilled at manipulating aluminum.
It's sure to be a fun experience for both adults and children! Please make a reservation for the first and second days.
Spring break is coming up soon, so come and visit with your family.
We look forward to your visit!
Ono Kaori
