On a weekday in Shonan, time flows slowly at Kugenuma Beach in the spring season. A family of four, wrapped in gentleness, walks slowly along, enveloped in the sea breeze.
"Hi! Hug!"
Welcoming us with a bright smile was Nene, who grew up in California with Japanese parents. She exudes a gentle atmosphere that makes the plants happy when she's around. As a mother and a woman who loves the earth, she enjoys a simple, natural lifestyle on the Southern California coast, centered around organic child-rearing, surfing, and yoga. I'm sure there are many women who admire her natural way of life.
While raising her children at her own pace, she is full of creative energy, planning online retreats and holding a retreat in Miyazaki once a year.
We had the opportunity to interview Nene now that she has returned to Japan.
"Life in California is very simple. I go to the beach with Zen and Zion, cook, take naps. I spend most of my time relaxing at home."
They told us that they have a space that suits them and that they are able to spend their days freely and comfortably.
"When I was a child, I went to a local school and also to a Japanese language school. At the time, I only had American friends, and I wasn't particularly interested in Japanese. But looking back, I'm glad I made the effort to go to school."
Seven years ago, she stayed in Miyazaki for about 10 months, which was her first experience living in Japan.
"My Japanese improved dramatically during that stay, and I was able to experience Japanese culture. It felt like I was returning to my roots."
She says this and also studied abroad in Italy when she was 17 years old.
"Going to Europe gave me the opportunity to see the world. From there, I naturally started traveling."
I deeply understood that the Nene of today is shaped by her repeated travels and experiences.
"Speaking of travel, when I was 24 I traveled around Australia by myself in a van for about nine months. I just wanted to surf, and I was really drawn to the teachings of Buddha. I wanted to live a life where I could be content with having fewer things."
"Simple Living"
Humans are full of desires.
In this age where we are overflowing with convenient and satisfying things, it is much more difficult to be satisfied with what we already have. The more greedy we become, the less we can see the important things right in front of us, and the more we become obsessed with obtaining things, which causes us suffering.
Nene realized early on the value of a simple life: she gave up her home and possessions and set out on the road.
"At the time, I really didn't need anything. I got rid of almost everything, left only the things I loved with friends, and went to Australia with just a backpack. I was truly in the mindset of a hippie. Lol."
Nene said that through living in a van, she has come to realize once again how rich a simple life can be.
"But maybe that feeling is even stronger now. Now that I have a family, I've learned what's truly important. With the four of us together, I don't need anything anymore. With my family, I can let go of anything at any time."
Living a life without material possessions doesn't mean giving up anything. If you have something that is truly important to you, you will naturally no longer need unnecessary things. Experiences and family connections that cannot be replaced by things or money are the most valuable things of all.
Her words sunk into my heart.
"Second child birth"
Organic cotton cardigan(toffee)
"I love pregnancy and childbirth," said a smiling Nene as we spoke about the birth of her second child, who is now seven months old.
"What I felt most during this birth was the importance of believing in my own energy and strength. Rather than being influenced by what others say, I need to listen carefully to my inner voice and make my choices. Ever since my first child, I've been practicing communicating with my body."
"Dialogue with your own body."
This is a feeling that we tend to forget when we are caught up in the busyness of daily life. But in reality, only we can hear the small voices of our bodies. By listening to Nene's words, I was reminded that I want to cherish the sensors that pick up on my body's voice so that I don't overlook any discomfort or small pain.
Pregnancy is a special time when your body changes little by little every day. Nene says she truly enjoyed these mysterious days, feeling those changes and connecting with the little life inside her.
He said that he felt even more love for his son especially during the last month.
"Zion was always talking to me from inside my belly. As the birth approached, I could clearly hear his voice saying, 'It's coming soon.'"
Nene talks about such episodes in a natural manner.
"On the day of the birth, we had planned to go to the beach and take a little trip out as a family, but in the morning I got a message from Zion saying, 'I'm going out today, so please stay home and rest.' So we changed our plans and decided to spend the day quietly at home. Then, in the middle of the night, he came to see me."
“Teamwork!”
The words that suddenly spilled out of my mind warmed my heart. Even before birth, mother and child are already a great team.
"I gave birth at home, just me and my partner Kent. Zen fell asleep and came out in 40 minutes. The midwife was supposed to come too but couldn't make it, so he caught Zion with his hands instead. The time we spent together as a family of three was truly wonderful."
Just listening to the story makes my heart warm.
What was even more surprising was that the birth itself was almost painless.
"I'm sure a lot of people believe that childbirth is painful. But what if you grew up being told that childbirth is pleasant? Maybe it really is pleasant. I think it all depends on your mindset."
Nene's words loosened my commonly held belief that childbirth is painful. My heart felt lighter with this new sensation. If I could rewrite my internal image of childbirth, perhaps I would be able to face this big change more freely and comfortably. Listening to Nene's story, such hope began to well up in my mind.
All the answers lie within you.
I felt that what she taught me was that trusting your own instincts and not relying on someone else's correct answer is extremely important not only for childbirth, but for life in general.
"Trust each other"
Listening to Nene talk, it's clear what a great support her partner is. She's been with her partner Kent since they were 20 years old, and this year marks their 10th year together. Seeing the two of them side by side, there's a gentleness that's palpable without words, and it makes you feel warm inside just looking at them. How have they managed to cultivate such a gentle relationship? We asked.
"I really do trust Kent with all my heart. I think the most important thing to have a good relationship is to trust each other. Our relationship works because we respect each other." These straightforward words made me feel that the two of them support each other and truly respect each other's existence.
Nene's way of life is very simple and straightforward. She listens to her own voice, believes in her family, and lives in the present. She told us that she wants to live her life embracing each and every moment that will never come back, while cultivating a farm with her family, centered around energy work.
Here & Now
"I still want to get pregnant and give birth!"
Nene's charming smile as she said this left a warm impression on my heart. I look forward to continuing to watch her share her creativity and healing.
Article and photos by Hinako Kanda
