How goggles taught me acceptance (Uketamo)

photo of an athlete swimming underwater

I think I cursed myself with yesterday’s post. I went to the pool trying to ignore all the signs (which is impossible, I swear there’s more now). And when I was swimming, something that had never happened before happened.

My goggle strap split.

I had to abandon the swim then and there. I probably could have gone and asked for some spare goggles, however that would involve getting changed, and also, Japanese goggles don’t go well with my Caucasian nose (I recently bought some only to find they didn’t fit).

So, I accepted the situation for what it was, swam 100m head-up (waterpolo style) to finish my set, and got out.

I was shocked and disappointed. But I know that when you’re in a situation like that, it’s very easy to make things worse for yourself if you can’t control your emotions. When there’s truly nothing you can do, it’s best to Uketamo, to accept the situation without fuss, and move on.

But now I need a new pair of goggles...

ENJOYED THIS? HAVE MORE.

MOUNTAINS OF WISDOM

Subscribe to my yamabushi newsletter

RECENT BLOG POSTS

Tim Bunting AKA Kiwi Yamabushi on Zao-san
Mind the gaps
Tim Bunting AKA Kiwi Yamabushi on Zao-san
Where you are
Tim Bunting AKA Kiwi Yamabushi on Zao-san
When to give haters the light of day

YAMABUSHI BLOG POSTS

photo of red paper lanterns
Sometimes you just can’t take the culture out of someone.
Micro skills into macro skills
Standing out

RANDOM POSTS

man sitting on edge facing sunset
The Power of Nature
person writing on a notebook beside macbook
Wanna write a daily blog? Do this.
photo of person riding kayak during dawn
Stay humble
Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Get In Touch

Sakata City, Yamagata, Japan 

tim@timbunting.com

Share this:

Like this:

Like Loading...
Scroll to Top