Since arriving in this beautiful city, I’ve been documenting and recording the small things that take my interest. The sunlight in the mornings, the softness of footsteps, cycle rides through the backstreets, the silent space between the sounds.
This video is my first attempt at capturing what it feels like to land in a new place. With a focus on the mundane and the gentle. The birds in the trees. Ivy growing on a wall. A train rolling by. A deep breath. The call of "I'm home" to a loved one.
London always hummed underneath me. Here, even the quiet has something to say.
I’d love to hear your thoughts: what sounds do you associate with *beginning*?
It’s still early days. I don’t know exactly what shape this will all take yet. But the video starts with a breath and that felt like a natural place to begin.
If this letter resonates with you and you’d like to support my work here in Kyoto, you can become a paid subscriber, explore my music on Bandcamp or buy me a coffee.
🍃 SJF
P.S. This video follows on from my previous letter, Beginning, Gently, which explored the slower mindset I’ve been trying to lean into since arriving here.
Loved this. Especially the "water over tea leaves" part. The slew of soothing goodness continues. I've got the SJF Meditations Full Album on YouTube right now to keep the vibes going. Thank you.
For me, sounds that have the meaning of beginning is birds singing before the day starts.