Namjooning
Like most people through this pandemic, I have been lacking the motivation to do anything that doesn’t include online shopping or binge watching my favorite YouTube channels. While it is nice to occasionally cancel plans, stay in my pjs, and eat mass amounts of junk food, admittedly, I have been craving intentional self reflection and adventuring.
Along the way, I have fallen into a deep infatuation with the biggest boy band in the world, BTS (방탄소년단)! Not only are they amazing performers but they are also kind, inspirational, and generous human-beings. Loved by many around the world their fans, known as ARMY, are people who strive to live by BTS’ example; taking the time for self love and sharing positivity, happiness, and creativity with others.
The leader of BTS, Kim Namjoon (a.k.a RM), is known by ARMY to be poetic, considerate, and a lover of art and nature. He consistently posts pictures on the group’s Twitter account of himself admiring art, relaxing at parks, and riding his bike. So much so that ARMY has created the endearing term, Namjooning. According to Urban Dictionary the definition of Namjooning is “the act of living as Kim Namjoon. This includes taking walks through parks, admiring nature, hanging out with crabs, and having fun with friends.”
I have taken inspiration from the idea of Namjooning and decided to incorporate it into my daily life focusing on the following activities:
Be Outside | Ever heard of the expression “go hug a tree?” Well turns out spending time in nature amongst the trees is actually pretty wonderful for your mental state. The term Forest Bathing is an ecotherapy practice founded in Japan in the 1980’s as a way to break away from the pressures and stress of our modern and tech heavy society. I have learned the extreme benefit of turning off my phone and sitting on the grass with my shoes off. Spending time in nature is the perfect mood booster!
Read a Book | The best thing about reading is the opportunity to lose yourself in the stories of interesting people. You can fall in love with a vampire (or a werewolf), time travel, or be the world’s last hope to save humankind! Currently, I’m reading A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness and I cannot put it down. (Matthew Clairmont is quite the dangerous gentleman) Snuggle up, turn on the twinkle lights, and drink your favorite beverage while traveling to lands far far away.
Do Something Creative | I’m not the most artistic human, but I do love a good paint by numbers. In the blink of an eye three hours pass by and you get the instant gratification of finishing a beautiful craft. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the 90’s, but nothing beats homemade friendship bracelets, tie dying, or making a flower crown. Don’t be afraid to color outside of the lines… Nothing is perfect!
Good Conversation with Friends | As a person with high-functioning anxiety, acute OCD, and lower than average self-esteem, I thoroughly enjoy having a good conversation with a friend. This is the time when you can brain dump everything on your mind without having the fear of being judged or over-analyzed. These conversations can be serious, philosophical, or silly, and by the end, I always leave feeling lighter, and with a few more laugh lines.
Eat Good Food | I am still learning this myself, but I think it’s important to not take food too seriously. After all, is it really worth eating it if it doesn't fill your soul? Food should make you feel cozy and happy and happiness doesn’t have calories. It’s even better when you share it with your loved ones. This is something I have learned from BTS’ oldest member, Kim Seokjin (a.k.a Jin). The way he enjoys his meals on his VLive series Eat Jin makes your heart and your tummy feel full just by watching him!
BTS has inspired me in many ways; to not give up, to follow my dreams, and to be kind to myself. I feel thankful to have found them (Thank you Jimmy Fallon) and lucky to be a part of ARMY! Using Namjooning as an inspiration in my daily life will allow me to take a step back and focus on doing things that take care of my mental health. It makes my heart feel lighter when the life feels dark. After all, “The deeper the nights, the brighter the starlight.” -Mikrokosmos, BTS
