#coffee drinking

This quarantine makes me realize all the simple things in life that I’ve taken for granted, particularly this weekly habits which I’ve been missing. The habits that I only picked up after I came back from Japan which helps me with my anxiety. 

1) Shinrin-yoku (森林浴)

Used to wake up at dawn on weekends to take a leisurely stroll at the park, feeling the quietness that you didn’t get to feel on weekdays commuting to work and the taking things slow instead of rushing for trains to and back from work. Smelling the fresh air of nature instead of the polluted city air.

2) Sun Gazing 

Walking through the park normally brings me to the coast or seaside where I normally sit down at my favorite spot on a rock and see the sun rise as the birds began to chirp and a cool breeze washed over me. Sitting in the silence, my once anxious heart became relaxed. In a way it’s like the Nippai ritual of monks.

3) Swimming

After the spiritual experience at the park, I’d go swimming for what I call, “Water Therapy” for it’s refreshing and cooling feeling after you’re done swimming. I’d normally be one of the first few to enter the public pool in my neighborhood, early in the morning to avoid the crowds. 

4) Bookstores and Libraries

There’s nothing like exploring the endless shelves of books discovering new books waiting to be read. The joy of finding a book that you never knew existed or needed but worth every penny that you won’t get bored reading it over and over again. And the smell books. Call me old fashion but I prefer hard copies!

5) Coffee Shops

I used to frequent a small coffee shop at the corner of my neighborhood for its surprisingly cheap good coffee and the window seat view facing the streets where I normally sit to read the new book I just bought or borrow. In the absence of good books, I read newspapers instead. Yes, I still read hard copy newspaper.