"Gyu Walk" Experiment

30 years after experiencing meditation at the age of 8, I moved to the US, got married in NY, and had children. At the end of the year at age 38, I received something called "belly contact" from a guide, and at that time, I didn't even think about the "guide" part and didn't understand its meaning, so I tried to forget about it.

But from the next day, the sensation of "gyu" (sound of belly contraction) started to come occasionally. While living my daily life, without any warning, I would suddenly feel "gyu" in my belly. My belly would tense up tightly.

Around February of the new year, I started realizing this sensation happened when I asked questions,

For example, when I was trying to choose between A or B, my belly would tighten when I look at A, but not at B.

What is this? It’s so weird. Is something wrong with my head...?

I felt a chill.

Unable to tell anyone, I left it as it was for a while, hoping that someday it would stop "gyuing".

But the "gyu" didn't go away.

And at the end of March, I couldn't bear not knowing anything about the belly "gyu" anymore. I decided to do some research about it and began to plan experiments.

April came.I told my family, "I have something to do," and left the house.

I felt quite guilty because I had never left home without informing my family about my whereabouts before. Perhaps because I had a secret. I hadn't told anyone about the belly "gyu".

As I left the house, I whispered in my mind, "Gyu, let's go out together today." When I stepped outside, I looked right and left slowly.

My belly tensed up with a "gyu" when I looked to the left.

Wow! It’s working!My premonition was right! I'm excited!!

I walked in the direction where the "gyu" pointed to.

At every intersection or turn, I stopped and looked to the right, ahead, and left. I walked in the direction where my belly "gyued".

Continuing like this, following the direction indicated by the "gyu", I arrived at the subway station. At the station, I stopped to think about which platform to go to, staring left and right... as I walked, checking.

Since it was an experimental day, I decided not to care about how I appeared to others.

I got on the train and sat down. I was nervous about whether it would tell me which station to get off at.

Every time the train stopped at a station, I nervously wondered, "Will the 'gyu' come at this station?" As quite some time passed, I began to think, "Where am I? I've never been to this place before! I want to go back!"  I get nervous about whether it's okay to walk in an unfamiliar area.

Suddenly,

"Next."

The thought crossed my mind.

My belly tensed up more strongly than usual with a "gyu".

I’ve never been to this are, but if I don't get off here, it won't be an experiment! I wonder if this "gyu" is a bad thing or a good thing. Let's see about that!!!

I was getting too nervous and irritated. I got off the train with the power of anger. I walked while checking which exit to take according to the "gyu", and I went out onto the road.

It was a lonely road. There were hardly any people around. Unlike in Japan, a lonely road in an unfamiliar place is simply scary. If I give in to fear, I might just turn around and go back to the station.

No, no, no, that won't do. I have to learn about the "gyu". Looking left. Looking right. The "gyu" came from the right.

I walked.

After about 5 minutes of walking, I arrived at a place that was the back entrance of a big park. The "gyu" was telling me to go in. So I went in.

I walked through the park. Right, "gyu". This way. Next, "gyu" to the left. This way... I walked along the winding path.

It was April.Before I knew it, I was standing among cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

It was the first time I had seen so many cherry blossoms in full bloom since I left Japan.

I was deeply moved.

From guilt, to tension, to fear... and then, unexpectedly, to pure awe.

I used to adore cherry blossoms when I lived in Japan. After moving to America, I missed the sight of numerous cherry blossoms in full bloom during springtime.

But the "gyu" allowed me to leisurely appreciate each and every cherry blossom tree.

After thoroughly enjoying the cherry blossom area, I followed the "gyu" to explore further within the park and eventually reached the park's main entrance. It was much busier there than near the back entrance.

I continued walking outside the park as directed by the "gyu". I was hungry.

The next place I arrived at, following the "gyu's" guidance, was a sushi restaurant. And not just any sushi restaurant – it was run by Japanese chefs! Sushi made by Japanese chefs is truly on another level in terms of both fish quality and rice. It was even more delicious than I expected. I was surprised to find such a delicious sushi restaurant in this place! Thank you, “Gyu"!

After enjoying the delicious sushi and feeling like I had become quite friendly with "Gyu", I left the restaurant. "Gyu" even kindly escorted me to the station.

"Guess it's time to head back home for today," I understood. From there, I managed to get on the train by myself.

As I sat on the train, swaying gently, I suddenly came to my senses.

What have I been doing all this time? Why am I even thanking “Gyu”? I still don't even know what "Gyu" is! Yet, I believed it just because it showed me cherry blossoms and let me eat delicious sushi?! I  almost got tricked!

I'm a skeptical person, after all.

My "affection" towards "Gyu" on the train turned into "doubt" completely.

(11.04.2016)