One of my favorite people in the whole world sent me a birthday package. It came about two weeks ago. His box that he sent it in was decorated - he always had decorated boxes around dorm room holding items. One of the decorations is a suggestion of a way to live. It's famous, I believe. I love it and am going to post it here.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser person than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however, humble it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is, many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortunes. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the tress and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you now, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
-Max Ehrmann
You know you're getting close the Mount Zao when you pass through this red torii that cars just drive through. Pretty cool!
Even though we couldn't see the beautiful fall colors due to the crazy snow, wind and ice...at the base of the mountain, it was still fall. We got to play in fields of flowers nearly as tall as I am. It felt like a nature-lover's heaven. It was so gorgeous.
A few weeks later, one of my adult students from last year wanted to go, too. I accepted her invite and off I went again! Our first stop was to this awesome onsen in the picture below! It was outdoors and the water was so naturally clear and smelling of sulfur. This is by far one of my favorite onsen I've ever been to in Japan. It's called the Zao Onsen Dairotemburo....and Lonely planet calls is "staggeringly beautiful." Which to say, it an understatement.
A group shop at this famous onsen below. The girl I am standing next to, named Alex is who now lives where I was living last year.
The picture below is what we went to go see when it was filled with snow and fog. A stunning view!
A group shot below with the Sakurai -san's, Mrs. Sakurai being my old student from last year!
