Kokoro: Japanese Wellness Wisdom for a Busy Life
Two unhurried hours to slow down, reconnect, and take home simple Japanese practices for calm, nourishment, and a long, well-lived life.
Calm in the chaos
You hold a lot. Work, family, a calendar that never quite empties. You take care of everything, and somewhere along the way, your own care slipped to the bottom of the list.
In Japan, wellness isn't a 30-day reset. It's woven into everyday life: how you eat, how you rest, how you gather with others, and how you find meaning in ordinary days. It's part of why Japan has some of the longest-lived people in the world.
Kokoro (心) means heart, mind, and spirit as one. This workshop is an invitation to tend to yours.
This afternoon is for you if:
You're curious about Japan and its approach to health and longevity
You're busy and want wellness practices that actually fit your life
You're craving quiet, real conversation with people who care about wellbeing of themselves and others
You want to feel grounded, not just get through the week
What we'll explore
Timeless Japanese practices, translated for real, busy lives.
Hara hachi bu — Eat until you're 80% full. A simple Okinawan habit linked to longevity, and a gentle doorway into mindful eating.
Shinrin-yoku — Forest bathing. Why time among trees calms the nervous system, and how to find it in Portland.
Onsen — The ritual of rest. What Japan's hot-spring culture teaches about making restoration a habit, not a reward.
Ichigo ichie — "One time, one meeting." Being fully present for the moments and people in front of you.
Wabi-sabi — Beauty in the natural and imperfect. Releasing the pressure to have it all figured out.
Ikigai — Your reason for being. Not the Venn diagram you've seen online, but the simpler, everyday way it's lived in Japan.
Holistic nutrition & mindful eating — Building trust in your body and nourishing yourself with ease.
What you'll gain
Connection & community — An intimate circle who share curiosity and living busy lives
Wellness wisdom you'll actually use — Small, practical rituals designed for busy weeks
A sense of calm and balance — A steadier way to move through work, family, and everything in between
How the afternoon unfolds
Settle in — Arrive, breathe, and let the week fall away
Circle share — Get to know one another and what brought you here
Japanese wellness wisdom — Miho guides you through the practices and philosophy
Reflect & apply — Choose the one or two rituals that fit your life
Closing — Leave with a clear intention and a calmer heart
Your guide
Miho is a registered dietitian and the founder of House Nine Wellness & Tea in inner SE Portland. She blends evidence-based nutrition with Japanese wellness wisdom to help busy professionals find calm, nourishment, and balance that lasts.
FAQ
Do I need any experience with meditation or Japanese culture?
Not at all. Just bring curiosity. Everything is explained simply and practically.
Who is this workshop for?
People who are busy, curious about Japanese wellness and longevity, and ready for a calmer pace.
Is this only for women?
No, anyone who is needing the quiet and calm space to care for others.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, a journal if you like, and an open heart.
How big is the group?
Intentionally small, so there's room for real connection and conversation.
Give yourself one afternoon to pause.
Spots are limited to keep the circle small. Reserve yours and step into calm with us on November 7.