5 Joyful Life Lessons From A Month In Japan

How to find a home in your heart

Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth. Japanese gardens in Takasaki, Japan in October 2000.

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” ― Anita Desai

In October 2000, I embarked on a month-long adventure that would change my life in many ways. It allowed me to find a home in my heart.

I was part of a six-person Rotary Group Study Exchange Team traveling to four cities in Japan. The life lessons I learned on this trip allowed my heart and mind to expand.

Here are five things I learned during my experiences in the beautiful country of Japan.

Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth (Johnston). Our GSE team photo in the year 2000.

Silence is beautiful

Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth. In my first host home in Takasaki, Japan.

After I arrived at my first host home in Takasaki, Japan, I was surprised to be left alone for a while to settle in.

To my delight, my host mother brought me a beautiful cup of tea along with a piece of cheesecake with fresh berries and allowed me some quiet time on my own.

This short experience felt like a meditation.

I allowed myself to drink in the scenery of the room, feel the softness of the pillow I sat on, and revel in the beauty of the experience.

I can still revel in that moment of peace in my mind. It was a gift for me to experience something so profound. I appreciated this gesture of kindness and space to be myself and explore my inner world.

How have short, silent moments of contemplation changed your life?

Boundaries are key

Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth. Takasaki East Rotary welcome party.

During my stay in Takasaki, I went to a lovely party at a traditional Japanese-style home belonging to one of the Rotary members.

They served sashimi, yakitori over a grill inside the house, and many other specialties.

I also received a kokeshi doll as a gift inscribed by the Takasaki East Rotary Club.

It was an honor to enjoy this gathering and to take in all of the beauty and warmth surrounding me by everyone. We enjoyed talking and laughing together, enjoying the evening.

What I loved most was the clap to signal the end of the party.

The host stood up, and everyone joined in a ceremonial clap to signal the end of the festivities. The name is tejime, or close by clapping hands. It was a kind way of letting everyone know it was time to go home.

This boundary set by the host was very mindful.

What have you learned about setting boundaries in your life?

Balance is joyful

Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth. Singing karaoke with my group in Maebashi, Japan.

One of the most powerful lessons I learned was to stay balanced in life. Although our days were well planned and structured, there was always an element of joy and play.

Everywhere we went, there was karaoke.

We sang songs together after formal events, on the bus, and with our host families. Nobody cared about the quality of your voice. The point was to have fun and enjoy your time together.

I can hardly carry a tune, yet I had a great time. It taught me to enjoy myself and not worry about my voice.

How can you find balance in work and play?

Nature Is Royalty

Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth, with my team at Nikko, a shogun’s palace in Japan.

I noticed a beautiful reverence for nature in Japan. It touched my heart, as I love to be outside and feel the energy of the trees.

Our visit to Nikko was breathtaking.

All around the shogun’s palace, there were large trees, moss, and greenery. I love how the Japanese have always included nature in their plans.

Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth. A building at the shogun’s palace in Nikko, Japan.

I love how nature works side by side with these monumental buildings. Every tree and plant is valued just as much as the structures around them.

Through this experience, I learned how nature is a gift to our well-being.

How can you include nature in your daily life?

Smiles Speak Volumes

Photo by Trista Signe Ainsworth. With my host mother Yoko in Niigata.

I did not know a lot of Japanese when before I went to Japan. We had worked on a short speech translated for us to give at local Rotary clubs.

I find I learn more language by just immersing myself in the experience.

By the time our trip came to a close, I felt like I could say a few phrases and communicate a little more.

My memory brings me back to a moment with my host mother, Yoko. We loved to have breakfast together, smiling through the meal.

I could only express my joy to her by saying pretty (kirei) and delicious (oishii) in Japanese.

We understood each other just by feeling the joy in the room.

It taught me that smiles and loving energy often speak more than words.

How do you use smiles and loving energy in your life?

I feel a deep appreciation for Japan and the lessons I learned there. Today I say thank you to all of those who made this trip possible.

Japan will always have a special place in my heart. It felt like home to me even though I had never been there before.

The same feeling of home tugged at my heart in 2019, when my husband, son, and I spent three weeks in Japan.

Home is where your heart feels joy.

Have you had a travel experience that changed your life? Please share your story in the comments. I appreciate you!