Inspiration is everywhere. I watched My Neighbor Totoro, by Hayao Miyazaki last weekend and remembered why I love this movie so much.
In the movie two girls and their father move to a house in the country, in order to be closer to their mother who’s in a rural hospital.
The pace of the movie is delightfully slow. Nothing is blown up and the dialog is super sparse. The pace is so slow, that you’ll find yourself noticing the beautiful animation and every nuance of life in rural Japan. Here are some tidbits that I especially liked:
- All of the family’s possessions fit in a tiny moving truck.
- The family doesn’t rush to after-school appointments or errands.
- The kids have no toys, but have plenty of fun outside.
- The family relies on neighbors for help (close knit community).
- Nature and weather are central to the family’s day to day life.
- They don’t own a car (they use a bike and the bus).
- The family prepares and eats simple meals together (rice, veggies, and fish or seafood).
- The family lives a slow-paced, non-consumer life.
Can these things be part of my life? How can I slow down and enjoy each day?
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” – Socrates
