The Luxury of Silence: What to Do Now for the "Reset" in Two Weeks

The year 2026 has entered its third week, and the world is once again moving at a dizzying pace. Yet, according to the Japanese calendar, this is not yet the time for "action." With approximately ten days left until "Setsubun" on February 3rd—a pivotal juncture akin to a New Year's Eve, marking the division of seasons—we are now in the deepest quietude of winter.

The "Philosopher’s Path" in Kyoto, covered in a blanket of snow

Though I currently find myself away from Japan, I’ve been looking back at a single photograph: The "Philosopher’s Path" in Kyoto, covered in a blanket of snow. In this image lies a "strategic silence" that I believe is essential for our mental preparation for the significant reset moment ahead.

Introspection through a "Frozen" Frame

The Philosopher's Path, known for its cherry blossoms, reveals its truest essence in the dead of winter. The canal flows in silence, and the path is erased by pure white snow. Looking at this scenery—where all unnecessary colors and sounds have been stripped away—grants us the intellectual gift of objectivity.

Whether you are looking at a physical window or a "window of memory" like this photograph, the act of framing a world of stillness is more than mere relaxation. It is a highly intellectual process to detach oneself from the daily hustle, to strip away internal noise, and to extract only the "essential questions" that are meant to sprout in spring.

The Science of "Stillness" Awaiting Spring

In the natural world, winter's stillness is not death. It is a necessary "compression" process, storing explosive energy for spring. Looking at the frozen canal of the Philosopher's Path, we are reminded that beneath the ice, life is preparing for its next evolution.

Similarly, for us business professionals, how we spend this period of "compression" before launching into the "New Spring" (Risshun) determines our growth trajectory for the entire year. There is no need to rush into output now. By immersing ourselves in this silence, we can tidy up our internal clutter and condense our energy within.

The Intellectual Clarity Brought by "Movement" and "Memory"

To immerse oneself in a different culture while reflecting on the profound silence of Kyoto—this interplay between "physical movement" and "mental discipline" sharpens our senses. By stepping away physically from the daily grind, we can redefine "how to be." How we spend these next ten days will remarkably shape a vibrant future.

Making the Most of Winter

Setsubun on February 3rd is just around the corner. There is no need to rush into action. For now, try quietly framing the scene before you—or a memory of a silent path—as a vessel for your thoughts. Only those who fully utilize this period of silence will be able to soar higher and further with the arrival of spring.

I am currently weaving this philosophy of "silence and introspection" into a series of bespoke retreat itineraries. These are not mere travel plans, but carefully engineered experiences designed for business executives to achieve profound restoration.

I look forward to unveiling these intellectual journey designs later in 2026 and into early 2027. Stay tuned for further updates.

Open the Next Door