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Vincent Van Patten

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Published in ILLUMINATION

·1 day ago

The Time Before the Flowers Bloom

Reflecting on my fondest memories amongst Japan’s ephemeral cherry blossoms blooming — There’s an accumulating warmth in the air, as the days in Japan fluctuate between pleasant and cold, sun and rain, swaying on the verge between winter and spring. A few days ago was the balmiest day in months. I rode my bike up to my apartment and my neighbor stood…

Travel

5 min read

The Time Before the Flowers Bloom
The Time Before the Flowers Bloom
Travel

5 min read


Published in Know Thyself, Heal Thyself

·3 days ago

The Beauty of a Rainy Morning Just Like Any Other

The way we see the world reflects our inner landscape. It’s that landscape we must strive to navigate and understand. — The pattering sound echoed throughout the empty station as a gentle rain fell upon the thin tin roof. It rained all night and through the morning. I sat on a bench waiting between two opposing platforms on the outskirts of town. It was Saturday. I was headed to work. A…

Travel

4 min read

The Beauty of a Rainy Morning Just Like Any Other
The Beauty of a Rainy Morning Just Like Any Other
Travel

4 min read


Mar 17

Slow Down; Feel the Rays of Spring

Finding the flow between working and living — This week, I’ve felt the need to slow down… I worry that if I don’t keep up, I’ll somehow fall behind in this arbitrary race; perhaps I won’t get to where I’m ultimately meant to go. I’m afraid that if I don’t turn my current experience living abroad into something…

Japan

3 min read

Slow Down; Feel the Rays of Spring
Slow Down; Feel the Rays of Spring
Japan

3 min read


Published in ILLUMINATION

·Mar 11

The Three Ps: A Valuable Roadmap To Discover What You’re Truly Here To Do

Begin the journey to live the life you were born to live. — As an English teacher in Japan, when I ask my high school and middle school level students, how are you? I usually get the reply, tired, so so, okay. There’s always another test on the horizon. Ah, I say, you’re going to do great, don’t worry! But inside I’m thinking…

Inspiration

7 min read

The Three Ps: A Valuable Roadmap To Discover What You’re Here To Do
The Three Ps: A Valuable Roadmap To Discover What You’re Here To Do
Inspiration

7 min read


Mar 8

Japan Field Notes PT. 4

The first touch of spring is in the air. Observations and contemplations from life in Japan. — After my Japanese lesson, I often stand outside of Temmabashi Station, watching the boats move along the river. The day unfolds and I’m merely an observer, watching as waves of people cross the arching blue bridge. People like me. …

Japan

8 min read

Japan Field Notes PT. 4
Japan Field Notes PT. 4
Japan

8 min read


Published in Dare to Dream

·Mar 6

Push Yourself Not to Change Your Body, But How You Feel Inside

I get more emotional in the gym than anywhere else — Without question, I get the most emotional while in the gym. It’s something about the endorphins pumping through my veins, the powerful music in my ears, and the overcoming of physical limitations which fires me up inside. My favorite time to exercise is early in the morning. I try to…

Inspiration

3 min read

Push Yourself Not to Change Your Body, But How You Feel Inside
Push Yourself Not to Change Your Body, But How You Feel Inside
Inspiration

3 min read


Published in Globetrotters

·Mar 4

A Weekend In Hong Kong, an Urban Wilderness of Land & Sea

An otherworldly city, a complicated future, and the sincere, international community that calls it home. — Late winter, early spring. This is one of the better times to visit Hong Kong, as the subtropical region is known for long, hot and rainy summers. After my winter living in Japan, I was ready for some short sleeves and cool nights. The Saturday sun felt brilliant. We ventured…

Hong Kong

7 min read

A Weekend In Hong Kong, an Urban Wilderness of Land & Sea
A Weekend In Hong Kong, an Urban Wilderness of Land & Sea
Hong Kong

7 min read


Published in Dare to Dream

·Mar 3

“Put yourself in a position that demands you leap.”

We can’t know if things will work out. If we did, life would be a terribly boring endeavor. — I want to share the experience of writing my next book. I’m not composing it in secrecy, tucked away in a tower wearing nothing but a cape like Victor Hugo writing The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I want to let the light in, so hopefully the story shines brighter in…

Inspiration

4 min read

“Put yourself in a position that demands you leap.”
“Put yourself in a position that demands you leap.”
Inspiration

4 min read


Published in Globetrotters

·Mar 3

A Weekend In Hong Kong, an Urban Wilderness of Land & Sea

An otherworldly city, a complicated future, and the sincere, international community who calls it home. — High-rise buildings came into view as the plane sailed through the warm and dusky Hong Kong sky. An indelible smile formed on my face as I thought about meeting Morgan, my oldest friend and soul brother, for a long weekend. I watched the piercing icons of modernity branch through the…

Travel

5 min read

A Weekend In Hong Kong, an Urban Wilderness of Land & Sea
A Weekend In Hong Kong, an Urban Wilderness of Land & Sea
Travel

5 min read


Published in The Post-Grad Survival Guide

·Feb 27

Take Center Stage In the Story of Your Life

We become who we’re meant to be through action, not words — The other night I was at a restaurant in Temma, a bustling area of Osaka where lanterns glow in front of smoky izakayas and tight standing bars late into the night. Neon signs illuminated the myriad of restaurants unwinding in every direction from the metro station, serving cheap drinks, grilled…

Travel

4 min read

Take Center Stage In the Story of Your Life
Take Center Stage In the Story of Your Life
Travel

4 min read

Vincent Van Patten

Vincent Van Patten

3.6K Followers

Exploring what lights my soul on fire ❤️‍🔥 Living in Japan. vincentvanpatten.com

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