Sipping on soy lattes and making coffee art each morning. Watching the sun rise over the Japanese Alps as I brush my teeth before dawn. Discovering new family, the humbling practice of learning something new, finding magic, again and again, in the snow that falls, in the beauty around me. I arrived to Myoko at night and rose to jaw dropping mountains in the morning; I am blown away by the view around me every moment of each day.  

Sitting outside in the onsen – a Japanese hot springs bath – I gaze upon the gentle whirling of snowflakes. I watch the stillness of the trees, their strength, notice how they hold the snow and release it when it becomes too much. I hear clumps of snow slide off the roof, water running, silence. I see the reflection of the trees in the water, watch the steam rise from the bath, look down at my own flesh and body, look up into the sky. Sometimes I’m sitting in there with five other women, sometimes I’m alone. I often bring my book and read a few words, look around, read a few words, look around, just breathe. 

A lot of people have asked me how I ended up here in Japan: I met a couple in Indonesia back in March who worked here year round and mentioned I should come out for the season. At the time I was still early into my SE Asia adventures and had open fields ahead, so I took their information, back pocketed the idea and journeyed on. I was craving mountains though, even amidst all those beautiful beaches, so as time passed and the path ahead started to show itself more, I reached out and got connected with the owner of the lodge. We skyped, we both said Yes, and Here I Am. Magical. 

It’s moments like that you know the stars play a role in your life. Paths cross and doors open and you have a say of whether you walk through them or not. A lot of people ask, “What’s next?” And I don’t know. I never expected to be in Japan, so I’m keeping the space open for other surprises, too. I know with every cell of my Being I am supported. I am at peace with the unknown. I am so grateful for this relationship of trust with the Universe. 

As I sit in the bath, quiet, alone, my soul welling with soft, deep, wonderment, watching the snowflakes dance towards the earth, breathing fresh air and taking it all in, I ask gently, without thinking, without worry, “What am I doing, God?” … It’s a question we all know, one that has the capacity to weigh heavy with uncertainty, with fear. Here, though, it was simple curiosity…what does God have in store for me? How does He want to use me this year? 

I sat beneath the falling snow and whispered silently with my heart, “What am I doing, God?” To my surprise the answer was instant – crystal clear, direct and loving. “Enjoying the snow, Angelica. Enjoying the snow.”

I smiled, Knowing. I looked up. Enjoying the snow, Angelica… Enjoying the snow.