It's the most uncomfortable time of the year

Knowing me is knowing summer is challenging for me (I hold my Swiss, Swedish and Scottish genes responsible for this).

The sun feels like a piercing eye that sees too much and asks too much of us.

I thrive in the darker and cooler Spring/Autumn days that sharpen the senses and leave space for mystery.

And yet, this is my annual invitation to practice finding comfort in sticky hot discomfort, and summoning the courage to not only see more but also to be more visible. Especially since the stretching brightness and longer shadows, make it hard to hide. 

I’d be lying if I said I don’t dread this time of the year however my choices are fighting nature (and well, we know who will lose) or surrendering.

It is way too easy to feel personally attacked by temperatures way above 30 degrees (& 70%+ humidity), and to wallow on being covered in sweat immediately after stepping out of the shower… but who lives for long enough to afford wasting much time like that?!

Thus, I’m committing myself to using the only (super)powers I have in this situation: choosing my attitude and where to place my attention.

I’m turning myself in to Tokyo’s steamy summer, life-affirming matsuri, parasol filled-streets, colourful flowers, sweet kakigōri and continuous musical performance ft. cicadas.

I’m making it my mission to seek the subtle wonders that I may often miss in my heat-stricken resistance - and let myself be found by them.

Remember to stay hydrated, beloveds.