Are you struggling to live with grace and gratitude? Turn to traditional Japanese principles to help you appreciate the little things and challenge long-held beliefs. Japanese culture is a treasure of profound life philosophy and mindsets. Read on to learn more about core Japanese approaches to life that we should embrace for a happier self.
Ikigai: a reason for living
Ikigai refers to finding a calling in your life. It’s the reason you wake up and get going each day. A person’s ikigai refers to something they are good and passionate about, something the world needs, and something that can bring financial rewards. Finding your Ikigai is crucial to finding meaning in your life.
Wabi-Sabi: Finding beauty in imperfection
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. At the center of wabi-sabi are three tenets: nothing is perfect, nothing lasts, and nothing is finished. We can imbibe wabi-sabi by accepting our own flaws and other people’s as well.
Mottainai: To not be wasteful
The term “Mottainai” refers to the belief that all things deserve respect and gratitude and that nothing should go to waste. The idea is to recognize the value of what we have.
Oubaitori: avoid comparisons
Oubaitori is the recognition that all of us blossom in our own time. The term reminds us to stop comparing ourselves to others. Like flowers, everyone grows under different circumstances and for various reasons.
Yuugen: Sensing beauty in the unseen
Yuugen means an overwhelming awareness of the beauty in the universe. It refers to seeing beauty where traditionally none exists. Or sensing mystery and magic so profound that words become inadequate.
Kintsugi: A recognition and celebration of flaws
Kintsugi is an art form where people mend broken pottery with silver or gold lacquer. An object becomes more beautiful in the celebration of its flaws. The practice is interrelated to wabi-sabi, helping us embrace imperfection and how it enhances a person or object's beauty.
