Japan Trip Beginner's Mind

There's a zen concept called 'Beginner's Mind.' It encourages you to look at things as though you are a beginner. To experience the full scope of wonder and newness of things. Part of the experience of parenting is having the opportunity to experience beginner's mind as you look at the world through the eyes of your child and see them experience things as a true beginner for the first time. And, part of the experience of this trip for Benevolance and I will be watching our son Locutus experience so many things as a beginner. (For those who don't know, Locutus is his screen name.)

Part of what comes with the beginner's mind experience for me is some anxiety and fear that comes with facing new situations. I've never traveled with a small child before and all the 'what if's' are continually racing through my mind. My mantra is 'do not borrow tomorrow's sorrow' as a reminder that I cannot control or predict what will happen.

It helps that we're keeping out travel routine as close to normal as possible. So, we're still flying carry-on only! And we're keeping our schedule flexible and open. So while we do have a list of things we want to do, a reservation in a hotel for our first night, and a plan to watch as much sumo as possible, we are free to be as flexible as possible. Which I think will work well when traveling with Locutus. If he's got a major cranky day, we don't have to get on a long train ride where he'll be more confined (except for the last days where we will need to get back to the airport for our flight). Instead we can play in a park or explore some city streets where his shouts and cries will simply add to the symphony of noises, and not cause (as much) irritation to others.

So keep checking back in this space (or subscribe to the blog if you are more technically advanced) for updates and stories along the way.