I had the enchanting opportunity to embody a geisha for a day in Kyoto. It felt like a nostalgic journey back to a past life where I may have been a geisha myself. In Kyoto, I couldn't resist revisiting this experience. I had a feeling like I was a mentor to young geishas.
Recreating this memory was a unique experience, from selecting my kimono with its intricate layers and accessories to strolling through the city and its temples. Wearing a kimono is akin to adding layers of weight and complexity, but it's a process that deepens the experience. The special socks and shoes add to the elegance, slowing down every step and making everything feel exceptional. There's a magical connection to the geisha spirit, both through the outfit and the inner sense of transformation.
It dawned on me that perhaps in another lifetime, I played the role of a teacher to aspiring geishas, guiding young girls on their path to becoming one.
The only challenge was the heat; it was a particularly warm day, but I persevered for a couple of hours. Thankfully, my dear Japanese friend, Chie, took on the role of photographer, skillfully capturing the essence of temples, Kyoto, and the geisha spirit in her photos.
As I wandered through a park area, I stumbled upon a traditional old tea house, where I paused for a magical moment with a cup of tea.
There's something intriguing about the energy of geishas, perhaps stemming from the judgments they faced in the past. I could sense this energy vividly as I embraced my geisha role, even though such judgments may not be as prevalent in today's world. Nevertheless, the presence of real geishas in Japan reminds us that some traditions endure, resonating in the energetic field.
Geisha (芸者) (/ˈɡeɪʃə/; Japanese: [ɡeːɕa]), also known as geiko (芸子) (in Kyoto and Kanazawa) or geigi (芸妓), are female Japanese performing artists and entertainers trained in traditional Japanese performing arts styles, such as dance, music and singing, as well as being proficient conversationalists and hosts.
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