Take It Easy

April 8, 2016 - Temples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

On the eve of our pilgrimage, the waitress at a Tokushima pizza restaurant gave me a gift. In her thick Japanese accent she said “take it easy”. This phrase was joyously shared with us numerous times throughout dinner. Her “take it easy” became my mantra for walking the 88 Temples of Shikoku for the second time. This ancient 1200 kilometer route will take us the next 6 weeks to complete. Take it easy. Relax. Let things be what they may. Accept. Don’t rush. Be clam.

The next morning we arrived at Temple 1 (Ryōzen-ji). We purchased our pilgrim gear and registered as official henro (pilgrims). While suiting up, I looked around the grounds and felt this emotion take me over. I felt thankful. The feeling enveloped me and I teared up. I’m so grateful for my life. For the parents who made me who I am and for Matt who continues to make me more. The feeling took hold of me again on the way to Temple 2 (Gokuraku-ji). I felt happy for it.

The springtime cherry blossoms create breathtaking scenes at each temple stop. Their falling petals brighten the grounds, adding a playful fantasy. Yesterday we took some video on a backstreet in Tokushima. The petals looked like tiny people being chased by the wind. Letting nature playfully toss them about.

Staying at a Minshuku tonight near Temple 5 (Jizo-ji). Delicious meal and ready for bed. Taking it easy.