Memory of Hakone with Sayaka.

For You to Breath" is an artwork that encourages the viewer to pay attention to their breath. The words "BREATH BREATH BREATH" flow through the artwork, serving as a reminder to slow down and take a moment to breathe. Close your eyes, inhale the word "BREATH" slowly, and let yourself be guided by the artwork.

The piece was created during the "Breathing" exhibition and has resonated with many visitors who struggle with breathing. Using acrylic painting and color pencil, the artwork exudes vibrancy and warmth, with a subtle touch of silver-washed glitter in the background.

I didn't know what to pursue anymore. The world seemed like a threat. Instead of focusing on the outcome, I paid attention to just breathing, as we do in meditation, to live day to day.

The criticism in my head sometimes grew louder: "You are lazy," "You are escaping from reality," "You are avoiding." To quiet these voices, I journal, I paint. And I tried not to judge its outcome.

When did breathing become so hard? When did I forget to pay attention to my breath? I notice how shallow my breaths are, and that made me more anxious about the fact that I can't even take in enough air. That was an SOS from my body and mind.

So, I breathe. I breathe to breathe.

My faith, not rooted in religion but in spirituality, was once a distant concept. I knew the word, yet its meaning eluded me, remaining undigested and undefined within my soul.

For years, I yearned to find my faith, whispering to myself, "I want to have faith in myself." Now, that desire has transformed into certainty, as I proclaim, "I have faith in myself."

I unearthed my faith through the art of "doing the undoing," engaging in activities that rejuvenate me, even if they felt almost like doing nothing. This revelation was the answer my heart had been seeking.

I chose to follow only the desires of my soul. Yet, I felt as though I had lost all connection to it. What was it that I truly wanted? Why did I do the things I did? Where had my soul gone? It was as if it had detached itself, and had no will to move forward.

I became hypersensitive to what I allowed into my life, refusing to repeat past patterns of saying yes to things out of insecurities and fear. I yearned for a faith that assured me it was alright to say Yes to only what my soul desired.

I began to reflect upon what my inner child would enjoy. I painted, danced, and sang - I sang with all my might. I ventured back to the dance studio I had left behind so many years ago, and joined the teens. There, amidst the music and the movement, I felt as if the juice of a ripe fruit was coursing through my entire being, rejuvenating both my body and my mind - and finally, I found it once more.

Waking up from long haul flight,

air is dry.

World is in chaos,

another war broke out.

This is a detour

to my destination.

Stretched my leg, back of my thigh,

male crew snatched me

to look out the tiny iconic cabin window,

strained my eyes, curtains of light,

mostly green,

lights behind me disturb my sight.

Inhaled twice

what’s in front of me.

Bravery paid off

for my new destiny.