I'm back from an 11-day trip to Japan — a country I've wanted to visit for years. Especially after learning so much about Japanese philosophies and eventually writing a book on them.

Here are a few photos from the trip:

The entire trip was magical and rejuvenating and exceeded my wildest expectations, but there was one standout moment that still lingers in my mind every day.

When I was in Osaka, I had the opportunity to visit the Hozen-ji temple one evening.

While every temple and shrine I've been to on the trip evoked a sense of tranquillity, this one felt different.

As I sat on a bench near the temple, surrounded by chōchin lanterns, feeling a cool breeze on my face and listening to the sound of drizzling rain, I felt a sense of calm I hadn't felt in recent times.

I wasn't trying to make the most of the moment or intentionally trying to be present, I just was, without any effort.

The whole moment felt like a scene from Loóna, a relaxing, sleep-inducing game I used to play before bed a few years ago.

I don't remember how long I sat there because I lost track of time. But after maybe 15–20 minutes of absorbing the surroundings, I lit a few incense sticks and paid my respects at the temple.

I wanted to sit there longer, but we had to leave for the next stop on our plan, and also, a group of other tourists arrived, making the space a bit congested.

There's no underlying moral of the story that I want to share with you other than noticing these moments in your life and enjoying them whenever you can.

These fleeting moments are unique and can last a lifetime in your memories if you choose to take them in.

Now, before you move on to the rest of this newsletter issue, here are a few words from: