About the 2005 Tokyo Tour

Coming to Tokyo for the first time was the big culture shock in the beginning.

I have lived for the last 6 years in New Zealand only, in coastal area’s or in the countryside, avoided as much as possible city vibes. NZ is a country with just 4 million people and lots of space. And by the way the cities in NZ compared to Tokyo are small townships. Shortly after my arrival to Tokyo absolutely every arrangement fell to pieces. The venue for my Talks and Workshops had been cancelled, the organizers dropped out as well as my translator and accommodation didn’t turn out to be suitable. What a shamble that was. On top of that my body developed the worst flu ever.
I was exhausted and in despair, very close to pack my bags and leave…

It took more then 2 weeks with the help from my guide Muram, my friend Cameron and others I had already met and worked with, until finally everything fell into place. But all the arrangement that weren’t right in the first place had to fall to dust before the New could emerge, like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. My new interpreter Elli turned out to be a true gem, the new venue was great and the accommodation I had been offered turned out to be fabulous this time.

Looking back I see this part of the trip was a huge learning for me in determination as well as trust. Right from the start I was struck by the beauty and the grace of so many of the Japanese people.
I also was delighted to what degree people were interested and receptive on what I have to give.
I saw many of them grow and blossoming in these 2 month, and the appreciation and gratitude I received gave me lots of joy and moved me deeply.
I made new friends and in contrary to other Asian countries I had visited before, I began to feel more and more at home. It became clear that people in Tokyo are really hungry for awareness/spirituality.
I never gave so many sessions over a period of 2 month like on this occasion, what was great and also very demanding. There were just little breaks in between that allowed me to explore some areas of Tokyo together with Cameron. To work with an interpreter was another new experience for me. And it worked so well with Elli, it felt completely in the flow, like one unit.
I also enjoyed working on a three day Yoga retreat at Mount Fuji. Even the weather was wet and cloudy so I couldn’t see the mountain at all, it felt refreshing to be away for a while from the concrete jungle and closer to nature again. Despite all the difficulties in the beginning my Heart and Soul was moved by the experience, and many of the people I came in contact with from a variety of cultures really grew on me.
I knew I would be back.