BOKETTO

 

In my quiet moments, I pause the world from its frantic pace. In that stillness, I wistfully gaze into the distance and just let things unfurl as they please. I let my thoughts flow, absorbing nothing. Internalizing nothing. And just like that, the strands of tightly woven twine untangle and the knots come loose.

Today, as usual, I found myself caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily grind. I was rushing to get things done, stressing about deadlines, and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of tasks on my to-do list.

But then, I took a deliberate pause. With a deep breath, I stretched, stepped away from my desk, and walked out onto my balcony. Leaning on the railing, I looked down at the familiar lanes of my neighborhood, twirling around the corners behind the blocks of apartments. 

The park and playground stood deserted at noon amid the cluster of flowering trees and surrounded by the hedges lining the curbs. I gazed at the sky, feeling the warm sun on my face and the clouds drifting by lazily.

As I stood there, the world didn't seem so chaotic anymore. The tasks on my to-do list didn't seem so insurmountable. Calm swaddled me like a downy fleece and the sense of clarity that I hadn't felt in hours was instantly a part of me. 

Boketto is more than just a practice - it's a reminder to slow down, to breathe mindfully and to appreciate the beauty that's always surrounding me. It's a reminder that life is not just about getting things done, but about experiencing the moment in all its intricate wonder.

I recall my early childhood days when I'd catch myself startled out of my skin, sometimes snapping out of my reverie to voices calling out to me—’Dreamer’!

Proud to claim that, a dreamer I was, staring at nothing and everything at the same time. My mind wandered to places, known and cockaigne. The world outside would blur and all that remained was the gentle whir and melodies of nature.

It's a fragile thing, like porcelain china this quiescence. Easily shattered by the demands of everyday life or even a faint splinter in the hush that I crave. The beauty of Boketto is the freedom to turn one's mind into a nomad untethered by the sway of reality.

Life has a way of pulling us back, shackling us in the damp dungeons of beliefs and opinions which never truly define us, but are thrust upon us by people who are stewing in their own misery and pathos. 

Boketto for me is to let them be suspended in limbo like a sheath of dark rain clouds as long as they wish to hover. Detached, I observe them cascade relentlessly until they exhaust themselves. My silence is a stone wall on which they gravely bounce. 

My peace of mind is safely guarded. Effortlessly.

I remember the nights I'd recline on my lounge chair, a mug of hot chocolate warming my palms and gazing up at the regal showcase of stars.

The constellations. So tinsel. Twinkling lyrics composed on black velvet. The dreamer that I am, mesmerized by the muted tunes they'd thrum. That's my Boketto in its full empirical majesty, feeling the weight of the world shed like a brocade of silk.

In a state of constant overwhelm lately, with a million thoughts buzzing and zapping, I have my very own magic wand now to make it all disappear. Instantly stepping on the brakes of my haphazard, swerving thoughts, I disengage and inhale the vastness of the cosmos.

My worries, my fears, my doubts... they all are like the morning mist that settles down on a carpet of petals like dewdrops. As a sense of clarity cloaks me, I feel more centered and connected to myself. It's about experiencing the world in all its complexity and yet seeking simplicity. 

I'm so grateful for this practice. It's helped me find myself in the mayhem, and to appreciate the beauty that's always around me.

As I surrender to the allure of Boketto – the Japanese art of gazing into the distance, this act of slowing down is an invitation to simply be —a form of intense meditation, surrendering to the milky expanse of the ivory sky or the distant skyline, shoreline, even the swaying leaves on treetops

In the lull of the rolling dawn, under the watchful eyes of the sailing birds, I find this solace and comfort even as I begin my day. Seated in a lotus pose and turning my face towards the first blush of dawn, this practice immerses me with waves of gratitude and content. The world may be in a mad clutter, but in these moments of Boketto, I am grounded. I'm rooted.

Boketto is now a lifestyle. And this lifestyle is not just a sheet of tick boxes. It's an absolute game-changer! 

Reflections:

1. What are the moments in my day when I feel most rushed or overwhelmed? How can I incorporate Boketto into those moments to find calm and clarity?

2. What are the things that distract me from being present in the moment? How can I let go of those distractions and focus on the present?

3. How do I feel when I'm gazing into the distance, letting my mind wander? What thoughts or emotions arise?

Integrating Boketto into Daily Life:

1. What are some ways I can incorporate Boketto into my daily routine, such as during my morning commute or before bed?

2. How can I use Boketto to enhance my creativity, problem-solving, or critical thinking?

3. In what ways can I share the practice of Boketto with others, such as friends, family, or colleagues?

Personal Growth:

1. What have I learned about myself through the practice of Boketto? What insights have I gained?

2. How has Boketto helped me to develop greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, or self-compassion?

3. In what ways has Boketto influenced my relationships with others, helping me to become a more empathetic, understanding, or patient person?

PIC COURTESY: PINTEREST