Perfect Days

I probably am the least present person in my close circle. Always thinking about the future, preparing, planning, and overthinking about how to avoid any mistakes in any situation. I found this film a bit therapeutic, the implementation of music and photography made this film even more beautiful.  Every single minute of this film is spent with Hirayama, he is all that matters, every single moment of his life. No need to see different people or places, he is present in his daily simple life. His ability to be present goes beyond his pleasures, he is present at work, his plants, and even the sounds around him.  He wakes up by the sound of his neighbor’s mop. He even takes a few seconds to pay attention to it.  Everyday, he goes to the same park, eats and pays attention to the “Komorebi”, uses his camera to try to capture that moment but he simply CANNOT. All the attempts and he’s never truly satisfied. I believe is because moments of joy and presence such as that one, can’t really be captured without being PRESENT.  Hirayama does not have the need to connect with someone, he is fulfilled by who he is. However, every chance he gets to connect with someone he does. He goes out of his way to say to help or simply say hi. That represents how present he is, and his acknowledgement of others. Life culture in the US takes us further away to Hirayama’s life, always running, always busy, and most important of all always seeking something new. Perhaps that’s why I am never fully present.