A weird thing: When I told my aunt about my getting sick the day of the trip to Tokyo, she, like my host mom, suggested that it was probably because I was too excited. I thought that reason was insane, but the more I think about it, the more I’m getting convinced that it might not be completely crazy. I recall that when I originally chose not to enter Soka for college, my mom was extremely stressed and got an awful rash on her arms that didn’t go away until I agreed to go to Soka, as if her body were reacting to the condition of her mind. Maybe that’s what happened to me.
I’ve read that Japanese philosophy traditionally expounds the inseparability of body and mind, whereas Western philosophy more often tries to separate the mind from the body. My American rationalization thinks, “Why would I be in pain because I’m excited? That makes no sense,” but perhaps the Japanese are more aware of the intimate workings of the human mind and body than I am.
ahh this is so true. Nimsy and I were having lunch with our Japanese friend Kyoko and somehow we got on the topic of American Gay culture. We talked about how we've both had multiple gay friends and how L.A. and San Francisco are pretty accepting. Then we started talking about how with Egg and Sperm donation, gay and lesbian couples could have children. Poor Kyoko was so overwhelmed! She said that all of the shock was going to make her catch cold. haha
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