Ding
A faint bell announces my obnoxious American ass entering the establishment.
I slowly make my way to an empty table as instructed by the hastily translated sign on the door that says “Find table open, service for you”.
The waiter approaches with a look of "it's too late for this crap."
"We close in 30 minutes," he whispers.
"That's okay," I say in short breaths. I ran for 15 minutes straight to make it before closing time. He was not about to kick me out.
He sighs. Then gives me an "alright, whatever" face and hands me a plastic-covered menu with drinks.
I point to the most expensive thing on the menu as a bribe to stay inside.
A milkshake.
He gives me a weird look. I confirm with a thumbs up, and when he realizes I’m serious, he nods and leaves.
I lay back slightly on the chair. Every muscle in my body hurts as I just came down from climbing Mt Fuji at 3,400 altitude.
And for the first time in 4 days since I landed in Japan, I sit there, doing nothing.
No place to get to before it closes, no running to catch the correct train, and no activity to do.
Just sit there and listen to the most beautiful classical music in pristine quality.
Yes, this is a cafe that only plays classical music in the highest quality speakers. There are no pictures allowed inside, and there’s an “in the know” feel to the place.
The waiter comes and gives me a small glass with the "milkshake" and hands me a beautiful paper.
I glance and realize that it’s all in Japanese.
But something catches my eye:
Established 1926.
I look around and see walls, floors, tables, and chairs that haven't been touched for decades.
The back of the cafe is a wall full of discs, vinyls, and cassette tapes.
The most modern thing in that place is the speakers which sit on top of the massive analog music collection. Even the record players are ancient.
I take a sip of the "Milkshake"
It tastes like nothing. It’s literally just a small glass of milk with an egg in it.
Doesn't matter. The music is so peaceful and beautiful that the eggmilk adds to the experience.
And so I sit there for the next 30 minutes. Mind fully blank. Nothing but peace.
As the place closes, I see the waiter cover the walls, clean the record displays, and time himself to finish at the same time as the most beautiful classical song I’ve ever heard.
Once the song is over, he removes the Vinyl and carefully puts it back in its cover before adding it to the sea of vinyls in the wall.
Then he turns on a microphone and gently kicks us out.
Needless to say, I came out of that cafe a new person. The bliss lasted the whole night and gave a much-needed energy boost.
And with that story out of the way, I have a question for you…
When was the last time you did NOTHING? I mean, sitting or laying down and enjoying the present moment for longer than 5 minutes?
If it’s longer than a couple of months, it might be time for another one.
Well, you don't need $10,000 audio equipment or an expensive milkshake.
Just you, a quiet place, headphones (or speakers if that's your vibe) and a place to sit.
Try it out. It's genuinely the best thing you'll do all week (barring winning the lottery, of course)
Today’s song will help you get in the mood. It's a perfect mix of sounds and melodies that will feed the mind. Analyze the sounds, have fun with the rhythm.
Life is more than deadlines and stress. Yes, there's struggle, the problems will never end, and frankly, that we have problems gives meaning to these moments of silence.
Anyway, go get your stuff. Don't let this be another email you nod in agreement and then click off to put out the next fire that can MOST LIKELY wait (barring family-related, those are always a priority)
Add it to your favorite playlist and listen away.
Njoy.
Genre: Get lost in the sound
Always Forward
Hz
P.S. The cafe name is Meikyoku Kissa Lion. If you’re ever in Tokyo, you HAVE to go. It’s in the Shibuya District and it’s near the popular spots. Here’s the Google Maps link https://maps.app.goo.gl/okC6EHDYZu7BZTr29. Shoutout to GJones for the recommendation.
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