【Garden of Words】Overcoming the intense heat with the power of water

“Let’s go with the flow.”

Even when I think that,

in reality, there are days when I just can't summon the energy and really don't want to do anything.

I just want to sleep.

I want to spend time quietly, without talking to anyone.

Those days when both my heart and body are in “rest mode.”

But when you have children, it’s not that simple.

That is both endearing and a tough reality.

“Mom, let’s go to the pool!”

“I want to go to the beach today!”

Pushed by my daughter’s relentless (haha), yet pure words, I somehow manage to lift my heavy body.

Honestly, there are days when I wave a white flag in my heart, thinking, “I just want to relax at home today.”

Even so, it’s a strange thing.

Once I step outside, the scenery starts to change completely.

✦ ┈┈┈┈ ✧ ┈┈┈┈ ✦

This summer is truly hot.
“It is dangerously hot.”
I hear those words almost every day.

A summer where just going outside feels like it will drain both my physical and mental strength.

This year, too, my child and I find ourselves heading toward places with water before we know it.

To the pool.
To the sea.
To the river.
To the waterfall.

It's strange when you step into the water.
The heat and all the clutter in my head just drift far away.

The water surface sparkling in the light.
Swimming with my daughter, lost in the moment, laughing, and splashing each other.

It feels like nature is playing along with us.

On days when we play so much, I should be exhausted.
But for some reason, my heart feels light,
and I find myself thinking,
'Maybe I'll go see a movie.'

No, no (laughs).
Let's just rest, me.
I almost want to tease myself for thinking that.

Not tired, but
fulfilled.
That's what the day becomes.


And there's one more summer treat.
Cool, refreshing shaved ice after playing to our hearts' content 🍧
Every time the fluffy ice melts in my mouth, I think, 'Ah, summer is wonderful.'

The sound of ocean waves.
The murmur of a river.
The spray of a waterfall.

After being wrapped in cold water, I head to a hot spring or a bath.
Soaking slowly in the tub, both my body and mind gently unwind.

Cold and warmth.

Both of them heal us.

Starting tomorrow, I'll walk at my own rhythm again.

I receive so much strength from water to be able to think that way.

Being played with by the water.

Being healed by the water.

Being supported by the water.

Looking back, perhaps surrendering to the universe isn't such a special thing after all.

Listening to the voice inside that says, 'Let's go!'

Touching nature and laughing with all my might.

Taking myself to a place where my heart can unwind.

Even in such casual, everyday moments, a great flow is truly alive.

Just as the seasons quietly head toward autumn.

I, too, will walk slowly toward my own comfortable place.

Kaze no Boushi-san, I have participated in your August project.

It seems the hot days will continue for a while longer.

Please, everyone, don't forget to stay hydrated and have a healthy summer 😌✨

Thank you for reading until the end.