Within Us.
Written and narrated by Kaylin Xie.
心 (しん・shin): the heart, mind & spirit
Out of the three core values at JACCC, I thought shin was going to be the easiest to understand. As it turns out, I did not fully grasp the meaning of shin until I visited the Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market.
The Isamu Noguchi Plaza. Orange brick ablaze by rays of sunshine. Dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, homemade bread, yogurt, and more. The smell of freshly steamed rice, juicy berries, and chocolate pastries fill the air, complimenting the harmonious chatter, laughter, and music.
I walk around, greeted by smiles from locals who welcome me in. Having skipped breakfast that morning, I meandered around looking for something to eat. I walked up to the onigiri, salt bread, and french pastry stands. Instantly, every worker greeted me with smiles, asked about my day, and if I was new here.
Reciprocating their wholesome energy, I asked about their business, if they’re working alone or with a company, why they started their business, and their favorite parts of the market.
Stars reflected off their eyes as they began to pour their heart out.
“We are able to get to know some local farmers and get fresh produce.”
“I love seeing locals pass by with their groceries from the local farmers’ market and it’s just so beautiful to see that every weekend.”
“Everybody here is uplifting… meeting other vendors as well, because they’re local and they’re all working so hard on their businesses.”
“[I love] … to talk to people and see people smile.”
Passion radiated off of every single person I spoke to. I felt that within myself. Seeing people smile and hearing the enthusiasm in their voices allowed me to see inside their soul. Every produce sold, conversation made, and laughter shared was a gift from the inside. A piece of their heart. Of how their past experiences and memories make up the person they are today.
Looking into the plaza, seeing the individualism of everyone –– the actions of helping the elderly with groceries, picking the perfectly ripe peach, saying hello to the neighborhood dogs… all these actions are influenced by the goodness of the inner life. I realized…
Heart.
Mind.
Spirit.
are not separate concepts, but make up a person. Everything a person embodies is shin. Shin is all around us. Shin is within us.
Shin is…
To feel.
To think.
To love.