I read this wonderful article about how moments of awe can improve our health (How a Bit of Awe Can Improve Your Health) and in it I came across quotes from Professor Dacher Keltner who I remember taking his class at Berkeley nearly 2 decades ago. I remember enjoying his class. The article also quotes Sharon Salzberg, a mindfulness expert. I contemplated my long list of things I should have done and all the painting and cooking I could have explored over the past few weeks. Then I had the sense of dread that my vacation was ending soon and 2022 had ended already without having done all the things I was supposed to do on my list. But Jan. 1 2023 was just another day that came with more reminders of health. The big picture still being my well-being, health, and social and family relationships. I still have the opportunity to notice the smaller mundane things that take up most of our time. What a great reminder to pause and savor the smaller moments. I had forgotten that I missed exploring a new place in wonderment. That was one of the main reasons I loved traveling so much- to be in awe in a new place surrounded by unfamiliar streets and buildings. I had forgotten to just enjoy the minute for just a second.
I followed a recipe on how to make gochujang cookies by Eric Kim for a cookie exchange and was amazed it came out okay despite the fact that I had not made cookies in a decade. Then I explored another Eric Kim recipe for lobster tails. It was very different from the way my parents prepared it. I found the perfect green ceramic plate to hold the beautiful red crustacean shell that held the plump slightly translucent meat where I slathered it with a scallion tobiko mayo creamy mix. Although there was no guarantee on how it tasted, it looked splendid and I reveled in the experience. It was a plus my parents enjoyed it as well. I want to make dishes here and there and reminded myself that I didn’t need to make all the dishes on my list in 3 weeks.
I took a vinyasa class with Jill last week. I hadn’t practiced in an in-person class in years and missed practicing in community despite no longer being as flexible or couldn’t do all the poses I once could do in the past. I enjoyed myself even though I struggled carrying myself through the 90 min class. There was beauty in pausing and just honoring where my body and mind was in the moment. The best part was that I got to embrace Jill, who I missed. I want to carry this sense of awe and wonderment throughout 2023.
Travelogue 