I understand. Canada is not much better now, I’m afraid. But, what I am finding, more than anything, is that connecting with others, complete strangers, on a one-to-one basis, without judgment, just smiling and saying hello, is accomplishing a lot also that might not happen with group movement. The more you do this, the more you will …
I understand. Canada is not much better now, I’m afraid. But, what I am finding, more than anything, is that connecting with others, complete strangers, on a one-to-one basis, without judgment, just smiling and saying hello, is accomplishing a lot also that might not happen with group movement. The more you do this, the more you will find people opening up to you. It’s letting go of the fear that lightens everything. You don’t necessarily need to go out and bang a drum. Just find the wiggle room, and start loosening the bonds 😊
Not workable in Japan. Strangers do NOT talk to each other on the street here except to ask for directions. Smiling at strangers gets one labeled as a “strange person”. Beyond that, it is not uncommon for masked and double masked to cross the street when they are close enough to realize that I am unmasked. Others will cover, usually pinch their mask at the bridge of their nose and turn their face away from me. Japan is a different place.
i am sorry to hear that, TS. truly, I would be locked up in a straight jacket long ago for that (if i were born there), and please forgive my ignorance in this regard. i have lived the majority of my life not caring what others think (hence 'strange'), which is lonely in itself of sorts, but it comes ultimately down to choice and a belief in the autonomy of oneself. so, that said, just try to smile inwardly and feel strong in who you are. grounded, free, and independent, and believe in that, if you can....fingers crossed!
I am from the States but there are reasons why Japan historically has high suicide rates. What others think of you is of the highest importance to Japanese, but not to me. A Japanese I know hates masks yet wears one anytime he leaves his home. He was shocked that I do not and asked, “How do you stand all the stares?”. I replied, “Easy. I’m Gaijin. I get stared at all the time.” To which he said, “gomennasai”, which “I’m sorry” used for apology. “Gaijin” is a foreigner. I have never followed the herd just to get long and soon may very well have to quit Japan and return to live in the US for the first time since graduating from college. I had already lost many positions and just learned of losing another in March. Have to find more jobs which is hard enough at anytime but there is no way I’m wearing a mask at work. When all are requiring masks….
I understand. Canada is not much better now, I’m afraid. But, what I am finding, more than anything, is that connecting with others, complete strangers, on a one-to-one basis, without judgment, just smiling and saying hello, is accomplishing a lot also that might not happen with group movement. The more you do this, the more you will find people opening up to you. It’s letting go of the fear that lightens everything. You don’t necessarily need to go out and bang a drum. Just find the wiggle room, and start loosening the bonds 😊
Not workable in Japan. Strangers do NOT talk to each other on the street here except to ask for directions. Smiling at strangers gets one labeled as a “strange person”. Beyond that, it is not uncommon for masked and double masked to cross the street when they are close enough to realize that I am unmasked. Others will cover, usually pinch their mask at the bridge of their nose and turn their face away from me. Japan is a different place.
i am sorry to hear that, TS. truly, I would be locked up in a straight jacket long ago for that (if i were born there), and please forgive my ignorance in this regard. i have lived the majority of my life not caring what others think (hence 'strange'), which is lonely in itself of sorts, but it comes ultimately down to choice and a belief in the autonomy of oneself. so, that said, just try to smile inwardly and feel strong in who you are. grounded, free, and independent, and believe in that, if you can....fingers crossed!
I am from the States but there are reasons why Japan historically has high suicide rates. What others think of you is of the highest importance to Japanese, but not to me. A Japanese I know hates masks yet wears one anytime he leaves his home. He was shocked that I do not and asked, “How do you stand all the stares?”. I replied, “Easy. I’m Gaijin. I get stared at all the time.” To which he said, “gomennasai”, which “I’m sorry” used for apology. “Gaijin” is a foreigner. I have never followed the herd just to get long and soon may very well have to quit Japan and return to live in the US for the first time since graduating from college. I had already lost many positions and just learned of losing another in March. Have to find more jobs which is hard enough at anytime but there is no way I’m wearing a mask at work. When all are requiring masks….
and, this: https://tobyrogers.substack.com/p/high-tech-global-genocidal-feudalism
you might like this: https://www.lewrockwell.com/2021/11/no_author/when-resistance-becomes-duty/