Marigold Mind Laundry -Jungeun Yun
“Happiness is a light emanating from within us. It’s not somewhere up high, in an unreachable sky – it shines in our hearts. It’s inside.”
I love Asian literature, and lately I’ve been searching it for warmth above all else. I was intrigued by the idea that memories are like stains – you don’t have to erase them, you just need to “launder” them. Keep the image of the past, but let go of its painful weight.
I picked up this book with no real expectations. I have to admit, the publisher’s blurb initially struck me as a bit far-fetched: Ji-eun, an enigmatic woman with pale skin and long, curly hair, serves her laundry guests a “tea of consolation.” Those who drink it reveal secrets they’ve never told anyone and ask her to erase their painful memories – as if she were removing a stubborn stain from a favourite shirt. Despite my initial doubts, it turned out to be a beautiful and wise story.
The entire tale is about the truth of life, where joy and sorrow coexist because one cannot endure without the other.
“The moon and the sun coexist, sharing the sky and slowly turning the deepest darkness into light. Could the reason we don’t notice the moon during the day simply be that we focus only on the sun?”
The book presents a fascinating concept of “laundering your memories.” It’s about that moment when we can preserve the record of the past but separate it from the negative emotions that overwhelm us. Two threads moved me in particular.
The first tells the story of an older man who had been tormented since his youth. Despite the passing years, he remained trapped in the prison of his own memory, feeling judgmental gazes and the weight of others’ disappointment. When he finally decides to free himself and “launder” that memory, he becomes a free, happy person. It prompts a deep reflection on whether we ourselves – through old fears and habits – aren’t enslaved, losing what’s happening here and now.
“Sometimes only letting go of painful memories allows a person to move on, though it happens that despite the pain, they provide the strength that helps people overcome misfortune and return to life. Sometimes sadness becomes the driving force to keep fighting.”
The second story is about loneliness, something I’m particularly sensitive to. Because often, to truly be yourself, you have to let go of certain toxic relationships – only then can the real ones light up your day. We meet a girl who has millions of followers and enormous wealth, but in reality is trapped in deep depression. Nobody wants to listen to her; everyone just wants her money. Her decision to abandon a life on display for an ordinary existence, without a single follower but with real friends, is simply beautiful.
“Just remember that no bond is worth losing yourself over. Even if it’s about family or others dear to your heart. Nothing is more important than you.”
The author also addresses a crucial issue: taking responsibility for your own happiness. Self-reliance is presented here as the foundation of living in harmony with yourself.
“Each of us is a tree standing alone. That is why she, too, must learn to stand proudly on her own, without any support.”
“I wanted to become someone who smiles out of love for herself. Someone who doesn’t need to love another person to know what a smile is. That’s why I decided not to get rid of these stains. I will think about both the painful and the good moments whenever they come to mind. I intend to love myself far more than anyone else.”
Let’s not let the crowd manipulate us – let’s think for ourselves. I repeat this often and always look for this point in literature, especially when society forces certain behaviours on us. Don’t give up and live your own way. Ultimately, each of us will personally pay for our own mistakes.
“Don’t look at others and focus on what draws you in. If you believe it’s the right path, then it is. You don’t need to hold back. Besides, others aren’t nearly as interested in your life as you might think.”
“Could the strength that allows a person to steer their fate onto chosen tracks be something like courage, a special privilege granted by those who love them as they are, regardless of their flaws and mistakes?”
Who is it for?
For anyone who appreciates beautiful literature that touches on important themes. For those who love stories that fill you with warmth, like a cup of good tea.
✨ In closing
I believe the most important thing is not to try to forcefully forget difficult moments or suppress them. Those experiences shaped our identity. The key, however, is not to become their prisoner. Let’s try to notice the rays of sunshine every day. Is there a memory inside you that still won’t let you move on?
“Happiness is a light emanating from within us. It’s not somewhere up high, in an unreachable sky – it shines in our hearts. It’s inside.”
I wish you all find it ❤️
P.S. Remember – I’m that one person who believes in you.
“I have a feeling... that just one person who trusts us and supports us is enough to somehow push through life.”
