Japan 2001 - 2003 🎏

From a very young age, the culture, community and schooling in Japan encourages you to incorporate certain things in one’s lifestyle: be it exploration, being one with and appreciating nature, testing yourself physically or just to have fun while learning.

I vividly remember these two years moulding my love for adventure, nature and exploration I’ve formed over the years and am always grateful to have been immersed in this culture at such a young age.

From going to the beach to collect clams and cook them at home. Catching insects, identifying and studying them. Learning how to create camp fire and cook. Travel around town on our bicycles to complete a list of tasks alone at the age of 7 as a part of the curriculum. Walking to school everyday irrespective of the weather. Being tested on various sports across the year from swimming, dodge ball, track and field to even performing a chin up as a part of our assessment. Growing a plant through the school year, taking care of it and cooking it. Their appreciation of different animals, seasons (like the sakura/cherry blossom), plants and keeping them intact - blending with the modern society. And so much more.

It’s only in the past few years, I’ve started appreciating what they were trying to accomplish exposing us to these things at such a young age.

Over time I’ve understood spending time in the outdoors and performing certain physical tasks is not only good for our health, but at a much deeper level are needed for us to connect with oneself and discover the hidden cosmos that lies within us.

The outdoors or physical activities provide a certain stimulation, a catharsis to unfold what’s inside.

So, when’s your next adventure?