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Being in Awe


Dear ones,

More than 20 years ago, when I left Japan, I remember thinking—one day I’ll be back.

I didn’t know when, or how. But the feeling stayed with me all these years.

I just came back from Kyoto. Two days ago. And honestly, I still feel a bit between worlds. My nervous system is still catching up with being back home.

What surprised me the most about this trip, was how quiet it was.

Usually I travel for work-teaching, leading retreats. Holding space for others. Or I travel with my family (which means… a lot of talking, a lot of energy 😄).

But this time, I barely spoke. And it felt so necessary, so nourishing.Spaciousness. Softness. Exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

I went to study tea ceremony—or better to say, Ma — ground. Cha — tea.

A ritual I’ve been longing to bring into my life for a while now.

Its simplicity. Its sacredness. The mindful act of preparing, serving, and drinking tea.

The same with calligraphy—the presence, the slowing down, the attention to one thing…with the ink, the movement, the beauty of expression.

All of it felt like medicine.

And yes… this is coming with me into my world—tea ceremony will be part of my retreats (:)and maybe even a calligraphy experience (:)

This trip was a gift. From me and from Alon, who stayed home with our three monkeys so I could go.

To explore. To breathe. To be alone.

I fell in love again with everything I remembered-the aesthetics, the language (yes… it came back to me after all these years),the incredible food, the architecture, that one-of-a-kind Japanese style.

I was in awe, all the time.

This time gave birth to creativity, inspiration… (there’s something new I’m working on, I’ll share soon).

Long-distance traveling it comes with it all. Jet lag, lost luggage (twice—both ways!), exhausting flights, and still—if you want to see the world, taste all the flavors, meet extraordinary people, it’s always worth it.

My biggest takeaway is that I met myself there in a new way. And I came back feeling deeply grateful, just to be here, part of it all. More conclusions:

• Pack lighter next time (I did it again…) • Japan is a place you return to—again and again (next time with the kids) • Celebrate yourself more often, not just the big things • When you are surrounded by beauty, elegance, silence and mindfulness—you start becoming it • And yes… I’m definitely buying a bonsai tree next time :)

But the biggest one?

Speed is my enemy.

I am fast by nature. I walk fast, eat quickly, reply instantly, think fast, decide in a minute… and I love it, most of the time. But lately, I feel the urge to slow down.

To pause before answering. To not need to do everything immediately. To be more patient—with others, with life, with my kids.

Kyoto was the perfect teacher for that.

No phones in public spaces. No eating while walking. No talking while drinking your Matcha. People move slower, speak softer, with mutual respect.

I don’t want to lose that now that I’m back. So I’m holding it close to my heart.

Another dream that came true.

And now… I’m ready to share this energy with you.

Here’s what’s coming:


Paros 2026– sold out (2027 registration opens in July) https://www.vickytomskyoga.com/paros-retreat

Thailand - February 2027–still a few spots open https://www.vickytomskyoga.com/thailand-retreats

To schedule your private hypnotherapy or manifestation session, in-person or online, visit here: https://www.vickytomskyoga.com/hypnotherapy

Have you ever been to Japan, dreamimg to go? I want know, please share. Until next time, Vicky


 

↠ Find more free yoga content on my Instagram page and YouTube channel.  White Lotus Yoga – Athens  www.vickytomskyoga.com/yoga-athens

 
 
 

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