was the same in the UK. I became so anxious about holding up queues that by the time we moved to Japan, I was too nervous to take my time at the checkout and pay with coins. I couldn’t bear the thought of someone shouting hurry up at me, like I’d often seen in London. So I avoided using small change altogether and ended up with bags of 1-yen coins—useless in vending machines and impossible to deposit more than 50 at a time in an ATM. I wish I took a moment back then to realise that everyone takes there time in paying and waiting. Would have saved myself a bunch of anxiety.
I live in the UK currently. I feel like people are usually more polite when waiting/in queues than in France where I grew up.
During the pandemic, people became less in a hurry, we were more taking the time. We minded less about queuing and instant gratification. Unfortunately as the world got back to 'normal' so did we on this... And I am sad about it.
I’m currently recovering from surgery. It has been a lesson in patience. And kindness to one’s self. I’m told “the worst part will be over in 8 weeks.” I’m at the end of week 4. And so, your essay has been a welcome balm to my day to day imposed limits. I agree. It has been better to give in to the boredom.
After 15 years of living here, and not understanding the long silent lines waiting for the Hankyu baumküchen, Hanshin rusks, or the Sushi-Ro, I now have a much better understanding of thank you!
Waiting is a quality and not a something to be ashamed off. Asian people have this quality more than westerners, I think. I was in Japan last summer and I tell you, I have never had the feeling that Japanese were stressed. You know, the kind of stress that you feel Americans have if you go to NY, for instance. In my country we have a popular saying that goes: 'those who wait always achieve'. Take it as you want but there is always some truth in popular sayings.
Spring comes very late here, but three years ago I planted two Princess Kay flowering plums and they are the first thing to bloom in my garden. Right now their trunks are buried in over four feet of snow (no lie) but I don't think that will deter them. Here in Montana a tree must be tough to survive, and they take their time growing. Thanks for reminding me to be excited about waiting for their blooms!
I love this! I will look at waiting as a gift now most definitely! Last night we went with friends to a very popular casual pizza place, we arrived early thinking we would beat the crowd but we were seventh in line for a table. We waited, initially standing and observing the food preparations and the hustling around us, eventually a bench became available so we were able to sit and chat for the 30 minute wait. As I reflect on that time now I only remember the wonderful smells of the restaurant, the anticipation of tasting their dishes and the small talk we enjoyed with our friends as we waited, together. The wait was definitely an extension to our entire, enjoyable evening!
With love, I greet my Japanese brothers and sisters. The beauty of Japan struck me on my first visit when I witnessed the opening of the Sakura trees in Tokyo I know how much nature means to everyone on this little planet. I’m sorry we cannot be more accommodating in global warming. However, if we do not take action now, Nature will take action for us.
Your phrase "they burst into laughs" makes me smile. =)
I wish I could remember what brainwashed me into imagining that flowers are laughing, giggling or smiling.
Why not and who cares? I like the idea that flowers laugh to us.
Snapdragons
Yes!!! I very much liked this idea of laughing flowers! 🤭
Reminds me of “the earth laughs in flowers” by Ralph Waldo Emerson. I
love your piece!
I love this perspective. So different from the American drive for immediate gratification
was the same in the UK. I became so anxious about holding up queues that by the time we moved to Japan, I was too nervous to take my time at the checkout and pay with coins. I couldn’t bear the thought of someone shouting hurry up at me, like I’d often seen in London. So I avoided using small change altogether and ended up with bags of 1-yen coins—useless in vending machines and impossible to deposit more than 50 at a time in an ATM. I wish I took a moment back then to realise that everyone takes there time in paying and waiting. Would have saved myself a bunch of anxiety.
I live in the UK currently. I feel like people are usually more polite when waiting/in queues than in France where I grew up.
During the pandemic, people became less in a hurry, we were more taking the time. We minded less about queuing and instant gratification. Unfortunately as the world got back to 'normal' so did we on this... And I am sad about it.
love this, i hope to achieve the patience for waiting one day 🙏
What a beautiful perspective. I will think about you and this piece the next time I am in a long line. 😊
This is so nice. 😊 Can’t wait to wait.
I’m currently recovering from surgery. It has been a lesson in patience. And kindness to one’s self. I’m told “the worst part will be over in 8 weeks.” I’m at the end of week 4. And so, your essay has been a welcome balm to my day to day imposed limits. I agree. It has been better to give in to the boredom.
How timely to find this lovely piece of writing today for you. Wishing you a speedy and smooth recovery 🙏
Me too. Hang in there
I felt the gentle breeze of your words, soothing.
After 15 years of living here, and not understanding the long silent lines waiting for the Hankyu baumküchen, Hanshin rusks, or the Sushi-Ro, I now have a much better understanding of thank you!
Waiting is a quality and not a something to be ashamed off. Asian people have this quality more than westerners, I think. I was in Japan last summer and I tell you, I have never had the feeling that Japanese were stressed. You know, the kind of stress that you feel Americans have if you go to NY, for instance. In my country we have a popular saying that goes: 'those who wait always achieve'. Take it as you want but there is always some truth in popular sayings.
Beautifully written. I love “pout at the sun.”
This was lovely! Like sipping tea slowly. Thank you 🩷
Spring comes very late here, but three years ago I planted two Princess Kay flowering plums and they are the first thing to bloom in my garden. Right now their trunks are buried in over four feet of snow (no lie) but I don't think that will deter them. Here in Montana a tree must be tough to survive, and they take their time growing. Thanks for reminding me to be excited about waiting for their blooms!
I love this! I will look at waiting as a gift now most definitely! Last night we went with friends to a very popular casual pizza place, we arrived early thinking we would beat the crowd but we were seventh in line for a table. We waited, initially standing and observing the food preparations and the hustling around us, eventually a bench became available so we were able to sit and chat for the 30 minute wait. As I reflect on that time now I only remember the wonderful smells of the restaurant, the anticipation of tasting their dishes and the small talk we enjoyed with our friends as we waited, together. The wait was definitely an extension to our entire, enjoyable evening!
Gosh. I just love this. I am
Waiting just now, not sure for what, but your words have given me a little more trust in it.
With love, I greet my Japanese brothers and sisters. The beauty of Japan struck me on my first visit when I witnessed the opening of the Sakura trees in Tokyo I know how much nature means to everyone on this little planet. I’m sorry we cannot be more accommodating in global warming. However, if we do not take action now, Nature will take action for us.
Excuse me, how is the text at the beginning of the article centered? Where in the backend is this operated? Thank you very much!
Good question! I too would love to know.