Day 8 – Temple Rain, Head Noise, and Getting Stronger
March 16, 2025
🌧️ Alone at the Temple, Just Me and the Rain
It was one of those quiet mornings—the kind that starts with soft rain and ends with unexpected company.
I found myself completely alone at the temple. Rain tapping on the roof-tiles, trees swaying just a little too dramatically. I sat down to meditate, thinking mostly about my future and what I should do for work when I get home. I told myself: "You should cook more when you get home." Immediately after this very wise revelation… a chanting group appeared out of nowhere.
Suddenly I was mid-meditation and mid-chant circle surrounded by a religious tour group. Henro surprise party. They surrounded me like I was the sacred tree or something, and before I knew it, I was taken into their haunting singing. Chanting. Dripping wet and confused. Perfect.
🗺️ Thank You, Henro Helper
One blessing of the Henro Helper app? It doesn’t show how long you have left—only how far you’ve come. A subtle but sacred difference. No countdowns. No pressure. Just progress.
I think that’s how I want to live: less “Are we there yet?” and more “Look how far we’ve walked.” It also is great for showing you what type of trail you are going to be on. If It is a busy road, easy trail, or difficult incline trail. I quickly realized that it vital information and I fond myself ditching Google maps and relying on the Henro app for all my navigation moving forward.
🌎 A Thought on Countries and Caring
I sometimes think about how carefree other places feel. In Mexico, people let things happen. That has never been me—I care too much. I think too hard. The whole island vibe “don’t worry be happy” never really settled well for me. If anything it always made me less relaxed.
But here in Japan, people care maybe even more than I do. Every action has a purpose. Every movement is on purpose. Every interaction comes with a tiny bow of intention. Things matter, everything matters a lot.
It makes me feel… normal. Like maybe all this caring isn’t a flaw. Maybe it’s part of something sacred. Maybe it is something to be respected and not shamed for.
🧠 The Loud Room in My Head
The last two hours of walking each day tend to go like this:
The inner monologue gets loud.
Regret playlist starts: “Why did I do that embarrassing thing three years ago?”
Greatest hits play on loop: random quotes, songs, conversations I wish I handled better.
I get angry. I stew.
Then I forget why I was mad because walking makes it really hard to hold a grudge for more than 30 minutes. This was the main lesson of the day.
Repeat.
