| Wellness
✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Slay alert: Kyoto taught me that stillness isn’t a vibe—it’s a survival skill. Between LAX and Tokyo, my brain basically glitched. I landed in the city after a 12-hour flight, confused by the dark sky…
Slay alert: Kyoto taught me that stillness isn’t a vibe—it’s a survival skill. Between LAX and Tokyo, my brain basically glitched. I landed in the city after a 12-hour flight, confused by the dark sky and asked the driver if it was morning or night. He laughed and said it was evening. That disorientation stuck with me as we drove past streets I barely registered, finally pulling up to the Four Seasons Kyoto. Shizu Okusa, founder of Apothékary (a wellness brand with herbal tinctures that make me feel like a human being again), was my guide. She called Kyoto a place where history lives in the blood, but it’s also met with modernity. “We’re so addicted to being busy there’s no time to pause,” she said. This trip was her experiment in stillness.
By the time I hit my room, it was late. Shizu had left snacks (her 7-Eleven finds) and a lineup of Apothékary tinctures. I grabbed Wine Down, a red wine-inspired blend with L-theanine and tart cherry, and crawled into bed. I also packed Take the Edge Off, a passionflower and skullcap mix, into my bag. It became my go-to for quick drops or mixing with sparkling water. What I loved most? These tinctures felt like flexible pauses in my day—small, effortless moments to breathe.
The next morning, we gathered for breakfast. Editors, creators, and online dwellers all said the same thing: we were exhausted, overstimulated, craving peace. Later, we drove to SUMIYA KIHO-AN, an onsen surrounded by nature. We changed into identical robes, and Shizu said this was her favorite part. “When everyone’s the same, hierarchy dissolves,” she explained. We sat in hot, mineral-rich water, shoulders dropping as thoughts slowed. Later, we had a traditional lunch where I sat with Shizu and instantly gossiped about our love lives like we’d known each other forever. No performance, just raw intimacy.
That evening, we meditated at Daisen-in Temple, instructed to sit still with eyes open. I’m not a stillness person—I’m a mover, a doer. But the monk’s gentle taps helped me focus. When it ended, I felt this humming calm I hadn’t known existed. Dominique Perkowski, a meditation coach, told me stillness isn’t about shutting off thoughts but training your brain to return to presence. It’s rewiring your mind, but society glorifies the grind.
💫 So, what’s one thing you’re going to do to slow down this week.
So, what’s one thing you’re going to do to slow down this week?
❓ People Also Ask
How long should I stay in Kyoto for stillness?
Stay at least 3 days. This allows time to visit key temples, gardens, and enjoy quiet moments without rush.
What’s the best time to visit Kyoto for stillness?
Early morning or late afternoon. These times offer peaceful crowds, serene temples, and a calm atmosphere for reflection.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇