Japanese Wisdom for a Full Life
At the heart of Japanese philosophy, there are concepts that offer profound guidance for living a full and satisfying life. Ikigai, Kaizen, Hara Hachi Bu, Shoshin and Wabi-sabi are some of these gems that, when intertwined, form a fabric of practices and worldviews that can enrich our daily lives.
Ikigai: The Purpose of Life
“Ikigai” is a term that combines “iki” (life) and “gai” (value or worth), and refers to that which gives meaning to our existence. Finding your ikigai means discovering and pursuing what brings you satisfaction and meaning. It’s about an alignment between what you love to do, what you’re good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid to do. This concept encourages us to seek the intersection between our passions, mission, vocation and profession, providing us with a north star in our quest for fulfillment.
Kaizen: Continuous Improvement
“Kaizen”, which translates as “change for better”, is the principle of continuous improvement in small steps. Originating in the world of Japanese manufacturing, this concept can be applied to any aspect of life. The focus is on constant progression and elimination of waste, whether this is time, resources or effort, promoting ever-increasing efficiency in our personal and professional lives.
Hara Hachi Bu: Eat Until 80% Full
Hara Hachi Bu is a saying from Okinawa that means “eat until you are eighty percent satisfied”. In an era of excess, this practice teaches us to listen to our body and stop eating before we are completely full. It’s a philosophy that promotes not only longevity, but also a healthy and conscious relationship with food.
Shoshin: Beginner’s Mind
Shoshin means “beginner’s mind” and involves approaching life with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Even the most experienced can benefit from this concept, as it encourages us to see the world with freshness and without prejudice, maintaining humility and enthusiasm for new experiences and knowledge.
Wabi-sabi: Embrace Imperfection
Finally, “Wabi-sabi” is the art of finding beauty in imperfection and accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay. This worldview helps us appreciate the beauty in life’s imperfections and peacefully accept the ephemeral nature of existence.
The incorporation of these concepts into our daily lives can be profoundly transformative. By seeking our ikigai, embracing the continuous improvement of kaizen, practicing Hara Hachi Bu, maintaining a mind of Shoshin and accepting the aesthetics of Wabi-sabi, we can find a more balanced and satisfying path through life. Japanese wisdom offers us not just a set of practices, but an integrated philosophy that can be the key to a truly enriched life.