The noise, the hustle, the bickering of people are man-made intrusions into a world that beats its own rhythm. Versus the whoosh of the wind or the gushing of water, the hum of engines and the honking of horns add an irregular pattern of sounds to an otherwise perfectly orchestrated symphony.

The world is a quiet place.

But we have added too much to it.

Now, on my third year in Japan and, coincidentally, my 1st year after turning 30, my hold on life has gotten stronger so that the quiet has become my priority. I said to myself back then that if I were to shut my doors, here would be the perfect place. It was a decision I made for myself and it has given me this life – one of quiet, calm and peace.

Now, I live far from the city. I walk a quiet 10 minutes to the station with the train tracks to my left and a few homes to my right. I breathe deep and breathe easy, as the silence falls like a blanket around me. There is nothing to be missed out.

But one thing we have missed out on – the world is a quiet place. It is restful. It is right here. And perhaps it is all we need.