The In between



‘Things are always in transition, if we could only realize it. Nothing ever sums itself up in the way that we like to dream about. The off-center, in-between state is an ideal situation, a situation in which we don’t get caught and we can open our hearts and minds beyond limit.’
— Pema Chodron

I’m back in Japan, spending time among the beautiful landscapes and hidden corners that captured my heart early last spring.

Although autumn has officially arrived in Japan, the landscape isn’t quite reflecting this season. The leaves have yet to capture the deep brilliant reds and golds that we all love, and it seems nature will hold its breath for a few more weeks.

It is a beautiful, suspended moment-caught in between seasons and that’s exactly how I feel within as well.

It feels like I am suspended in a space between what was, and what will be next and although this current state feels slow and uneventful, it also feels like this is exactly where I am supposed to be.

And yes, I am observing my thoughts and chatty mind suggesting it should be different, and I should be moving forward in some way, and yet, just like Mother Nature who has her own agenda and time for everything, so it is for my life too.

I wonder if ‘The In Between’ is perhaps the most important state to be in. A space where we no longer relate to the past, or know the next steps towards the future.

If anything it is forcing me to stay present to ‘what is’. It’s asking me to accept this state in patience and peace and at the same time, remain open to infinite possibilities of change each day.

Thank you Japan and Mother Nature for teaching me this valuable lesson.