Run the Mile You are on

Hi friends,

First, the announcement: We have decided to cancel our 10th Year Anniversary party that was originally planned for June. I am sad to let it go since we have been planning for this event for more than a year and I was excited to see everyone come together. But the health and safety of our community are extremely important to us and I know it is the right choice. At this moment, we don't know if/when we will be able to postpone or reschedule the event. In the big picture, I am just thankful that we are still standing here, doing what we love to do, and contributing to our community in a creative and meaningful way, despite the challenges we all feel. So thank you so much for continuously supporting our mission.

Though we can not see you in person just yet, I hope you will have a moment to read through Trina's story and her advice on starting small by writing one sentence journal to ground your day. Also, Ame and Eunice have shared their analogue time via video. Journal with Eunice and Watercolor with Ame are both so calming and delightful. I hope you will be able to use these videos as your analogue companion.

Back in March, before the whole world became upside down, I ran my 3rd Los Angeles Marathon. As strange as it might sound to some people, I enjoyed training for five months leading up to it and running the 26.2 miles from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica Pier and I appreciated each mile of the race for different reasons. The first few miles were pure fun. I pinched myself that I got there, running alongside so many runners who were also having a blast. The pace was slow because there were just so many runners around me and I could only go so fast. Around the 6th mile, I started to buckle down and put more focus on my pace and form. I felt strong and my training paying off. The hardest part of the race was between the 16th to the 20th mile. By the time my body reached the 16th mile, various parts started to hurt and I never knew what was going to give up first. Would it be my ankle which I injured during the training? Would I get unbearable cramps on my calf? Would my stomach start to feel upset? Those miles were long, strenuous, and rewarding at the same time because they tested me the most and I put my mind into getting through them. Then I reached the 20th mile and I started to see the end of the tunnel. I unleashed everything I had left to fly through the last six miles.

One of the reasons why running a marathon is so interesting is the juxtaposition of togetherness and loneliness. The vibration of energy we share during the race as a community of runners is as real as the solitude I feel as I silently put one step ahead of another. It's an inward process as much as the outward shared experience.

Going through this season feels very much like a marathon and I wonder if we are now halfway into the race or reaching the 16th mile when it is the most challenging both mentally and physically. Or are we close to the end? One thing I try to remind myself of often is that we are all carrying our individual stories yet running the same race together. We can not swap each other's stories, in the same way, I couldn't run on behalf of another runner. Judge less because we can't fully know what kind of experience our neighbors, friends, and families are going through. Be kind because we don't push fellow runners out of the race. Be empathetic. Everyone is lifting the story in the best way they can whether it is visible from the outside or not. Also, don't forget to give yourself a big earthy hug and fill your cup with lots of self-care.

love to you all,
-wakako

always work in progress...

Altadena, California // May 10th, 2020 (Happy Mother's Day:)