3-minute guided meditation after writing

By Kimine Mayuzumi   Some time ago, I created an audio for guided meditation before writing, and it touched the lives of many, helping them set the right intention for their writing sessions. Recently, it was a reader’s comment on that guided meditation that inspired me to take a step further. The reader, like many of us, longed for a way to wrap up their writing sessions, to savor what they had achieved, and to…

3 essential lessons ‘busy’ academics can learn from the Japanese tea ceremony

By Kimine Mayuzumi   Ichigo ichie (一期一会 ), the Japanese proverb that translates to “one encounter at a (life) time” – is more than just a saying; it’s a philosophy that teaches us to cherish the uniqueness of each and every moment.  This principle is especially important in the context of Japanese tea ceremonies, where the procedure is rigid and complicated. However, the true essence of the ceremony lies in focusing on the unique quality…

How I diverted from my academic career path I once longed for

By Kimine Mayuzumi The year 2015 marked a pivotal moment in my life. That is when I made the courageous decision to pursue my passion for blogging instead of following the traditional academic path.  I remember the anticipation and excitement I felt as I boarded a plane to attend a three-day blogging event in Washington D.C., where I would meet inspiring women of color who shared my dream. Just the other day, as I flipped…

How my relationship with naps has shifted – Now a good friend

By Kimine Mayuzumi I am sitting here thinking about one of the best naps I had last week with my partner next to me.  You know when a nap is really good? It is when you’re unsure of where you are when you wake up. I call it a power nap. It could happen even for only 13 minutes. Feeling refreshed and energized, I would feel called to spend my precious rest of the day…

Why (my modified version of) Morning Pages works for me

By Kimine Mayuzumi Before I started Morning Pages Writing has been a part of my healing system. Yet, it was sporadic for a long time. Looking through my old journals, I was actually writing only when I was angry and frustrated. I wanted to vent about all the things that made me feel like a victim. So many of the records in my old journals make my life then sound quite miserable even though I…