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#Self-discovery, inner peace #Giving and receiving love, self-acceptance #Peaceful life, happiness in nature
A look at Tokushima''s natural life: a volunteer caring for abandoned animals
In search of self-love, I decided to travel to Japan and volunteer.
Caring for so many dogs at the organization allowed me to practice both giving and receiving love in a meaningful way. Living a peaceful life without pressuring myself to do anything allowed me to make a decision that truly made me happy. I chose to be happy for myself thanks to a life of peace that didn''t force me to do anything.
A simple life as a volunteer in nature: caring for abandoned animals in Tokushima, Japan.
Hello, I''m Baek Ju Yeon, a 30-year-old woman who decided to take a 3-month sabbatical to learn to love myself.
I hoped I could fully love myself, even those parts that were hard for me to accept until the end. After confirming that taking a sabbatical was my answer, I spent a long time carefully searching on the Korea Gap Year site. I hesitated along the way, as there were moments when I thought about giving up due to unexpected events, but I realized that if I didn''t do it now, I might never be able to change.
I looked for volunteer opportunities related to animals, especially dogs, because I love them. I also prefer nature over the city and, since my level of English isn''t very good, I remembered that I had felt comfortable traveling in Japan before. This led me to choose Japan as my destination. In fact, Japan has a living environment similar to Korea and is very well equipped with convenient facilities, which makes it an easy place to get around.
The goal was to love myself and let everything flow.
My ultimate goal was to love myself. I wanted to give myself time to appreciate it and accept myself as I am. The next goal was "to do nothing." I wanted to free myself from the pressure of having to be constantly productive and allow myself to recognize what I truly wanted to do, enjoying each moment in the happiest way possible.
I wanted to express and share love with the dogs.
Between 9:30 and 10:30 in the morning, the representative of the organization would come to pick me up and we''d head to the site together. Upon arrival, the first task was to prepare the food for the dogs. In the morning, I would walk the dogs on the first floor and, after lunch, I would walk the dogs on the other floor. Since everyone had gone out for a walk, I would take out the trash and prepare the food for the next day.
Spending time with the dogs allowed me to practice both giving and receiving love. Each dog has different preferences, whether it was the way they liked to be walked or the things they enjoyed. Depending on their personalities, some needed a gentle and patient approach, while others were different. On rainy days, some didn''t want to go out for walks, while others enjoyed collecting wild raspberries or chasing salamanders. Even the most difficult dogs were rewarded.
I was very happy during my sabbatical!
Being surrounded by so many dogs truly made me happy.I wanted to experience the structured system of animal shelters in Japan, but by volunteering here, I learned that rescue shelters in Japan are at a pretty high level. I thought that Korea could improve how it welcomes foreigners and promote more volunteer activities, like Japan does.
I realized that, although I was enjoying many things, I also spent a lot of time alone, yet I still lived with a strong awareness of how others perceived me. However, during my time in Tokushima, I was able to truly hear my inner voice, accept myself as I am, and prioritize my own happiness. I found genuine peace, allowing joy to arise naturally from within.It was rewarding to live a calm life without pressure or expectations, simply letting happiness flow freely.
Tokushima has always been an impressive place.Where nothing was lacking, with the golden sunlight, the green mountains and fields, the small houses and alleys. The air was full of unknown insects—whose names I didn''t know but whose presence was fascinating. I enjoyed chasing the playful dogs that loved to escape. On sunny days, when I curled up I would fall asleep, feeling how the warmth of the sun wrapped me completely, filling me with a deep sense of peace.
I will continue volunteering in Korea and I will not forget my goal.
Without losing sight of the goal I set for my sabbatical, I will take the time to love myself and become the person I aspire to be. I will continue evolving while enjoying the present and making the most of what I have.Before joining the project, I felt lost, as many difficulties weighed on me and pushed me to the limit. However, through this experience, I learned to find greater inner peace. Everything will be fine; I trust that my goal will be achieved at the right time and in the best possible way.
Tips for volunteering in Tokushima, Japan!
Language:
Japanese and English are spoken so you can communicate in English with other volunteers.
Accommodation and meals:
I lived in a hostel provided by the institution and took care of my own meals. There are supermarkets and convenience stores near the accommodation, which makes it very convenient. Sometimes the other residents of the hostel organized parties with food from different countries.
Preparation:
It is advisable to bring a raincoat and non-slip shoes. It will also be good to bring sunscreen and comfortable clothing. If you forget something essential, there are supermarkets and stores like Daiso where you can easily buy it.
My review of volunteering in Tokushima, Japan!
EXPERIENCE– ★★★★★ - You will have new experiences.
LEARNING– ★★★★★ - You will gain new knowledge and grow.
ENVIRONMENT– ★★★★★ - You will live surrounded by beautiful nature.
SAFETY– ★★★★★ - You won''t have to worry about dangerous situations.
FREE TIME– ★★★★★ - You will have enough personal time.
