3/11 anniversary

Two separate posts, to tell of the profound effect of being in Japan at this time. Followed by a day trip with photos.

This last weekend, I was teaching my Level 2 seminar. The first day focused on Love Relationships and Soul Mates. I learn so much about the differences in our cultures! In America, it is not unusual, as many of you know (!!!), to have multiple relationships before you find 'the one.' And, to live together, get divorced and remarry is also not uncommon. In Japan, especially for women, it is quite common to live with parents until marriage, so they have much less experience - certainly less than my trail of adventure! What remains consistence where ever I teach is our desire for true love.

The second day, 3/11, marked the one year anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that were so devastating to this country. Over 20,000 died, with many thousands still counted as missing. I'm not sure how many lost homes, business, communities, but it is over 100,000 if not 200,000. The recovery is slow, with so many still in evacuation style housing, separated from extended family members, no assistance or compensation (no insurance, no FEMA). The despair is great. But so, also, is the hope, cooperation and tenacity to bounce back. People are working together patiently.

The special television shows in Japan tell amazing tales. Like volunteers dedicating themselves to cleaning and restoring photo albums recovered from the muddy mess, organizing them in bins, and cataloging them by type of event/photo using a new computer software by 'Nifty' designed just for this purpose. Then people can come into the building, scroll through digitized photos in hopes of finding someone they recognize, which leads them to the photo album. It may not sound that important, compared to rebuilding a home, but for those who literally lost everything, being reunited with photo memories is quite emotional and healing.

On Sunday, during my seminar, the entire country of Japan refocused on that traumatic day. People everywhere stopped whatever they were doing at 2:46 pm to send a prayer, etc. Later I saw TV of the busiest intersection in Tokyo, where hundreds were walking, then simultaneously stopped in their tracks. Total silence, and all bowing their heads in respect and prayer. The only sound was a loudspeaker, probably leading that moment. I had the honor of leading the seminar students in our own version of this moment. Holding the vision of all of those who died as thousands of beautiful butterflies lifting to the sky, to a radiant ball of light. Then holding the vision of all survivors being one large family, instead of many separate ones. To see them feeling supported by all of us. It was quite a moving day. Even with the difficulties I have had in my life, I am humbled by the challenge these others are enduring. I only hope I help in whatever way I have to offer.

Many blessings,
Daeryl

A day out in Ueno

This is a section of a very long metal wall along the back of one of the subway stops. It was very intricate, with heart shapes, bicycles, and train motif, perhaps 300 yards. All found metal parts. Every subway station has a mix of advertising, art installations, and safety warning signs, but little graffiti.

I traveled here several times, on my way to the weekend seminar I taught. So I have finished the first of 3 weekends, plus 7 of 10 private session days. All going well. The students and clients are so open and gracious. And I seem to be collecting a wonderful assortment of cute gifts and yummy treats!

This view is from the 11th floor, where I was teaching. The tower is new, and I am not sure how high, but said to be one of the great engineering feats (and highest buildings) so far. For Tokyo, if not the world.

The city seems to go on endlessly in all directions. It's amazing. Hard to believe by US standards, as there are always sections of single family homes. But here, all the buildings are multi-storied and close together. There are nice breaks with large parks, temples, and historic places, but the rest of it is compact!

Finally, an outing! After a short meeting, on Monday, I went over to the fitness club again. This time, not quite so energetic, as my back has been giving me some issues, so I took a stretch class. Felt great, and I was a bit more comfortable, as the others in the class were older ladies like myself. Then a good soak in the jacuzzi.

So, off to Ueno, an older section of the city, which is filled with little walking streets, fishermen selling their fresh catches, stands with all kinds of packaged regional foods, and yummy stuff to eat. My friend Stacey, was an excellent guide (fluent in Japanese) and very adventurous. Apparently this was an area catering to the American soldiers stationed here after WWII, as so there are also nightclubs, Panchinko and Mai jong parlors. A wild mix. Loved this shot of the very wide crossing area - notice the striped skirt matching!

Here's me at the intersection of several long corridors which went off at only 20 - 30 degrees, not the standard 90 for streets in US. I would have easily gotten lost without my guide!!! We ate grilled enagi (eel), salmon, and yakitori (chicken on a stick) as well as all sorts of pickled things, and some kind of Chinese dumpling that you suck the 'soup' out of first. We were up for just about anything, to fully savor the experience, but it was easy to pass up the whale sushi.

Here's a view of one of the open air fish displays. It's cold enough to keep fresh caught fish okay, and I hear they have it on ice in the summer. Even so, I'm sure the health dept wouldn't go for this in US. I'm constantly marveling at the lack of flies, even in summer. But I'm sure that the Japanese would be equally astonished that we don't manage our garbage to keep the flies from starting up in the first place!


This lion is marking a shop selling things from Okinawa, which was not part of Japan until about 70 years ago (I'm not exactly sure of the date).

Stacey is standing in the doorway of an old building where we ate dinner. Most of Tokyo has been rebuilt since 1945, but occasionally you come across one that is much older. It had an authentic traditional interior, with bar and kitchen on the first floor, then smaller booths and rooms on the second.

This night scene of so many banners was taken on our way out of the nightclub area of Ueno district, near to the station. If you look carefully, you can spot the moon. It might be mistaken for a light at the end of the lamp post to the left of the blue flag.

Love the Japanese signage. Cute, neon, traditional, or a mix. You just never know.

It's been raining, and raining, and raining. But I think there may be a break now for the next few days. Another day of sessions tomorrow and then a planning meeting. Next trip in summer, I think I'll be here a little longer, to teach 4 levels, instead of just the first 3.

I love hearing from all of you while I am here. And I'll try to post again soon.

Love Daeryl