As I have written in my previous column, there are 7 Japanese concepts that can help us develop our perspective in life as we try to navigate the new year. I have already shared the first four, which are ikigai (life purpose), hikita ga nai (it cannot be helped), wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection), and gaman (dignity during tough times).
The fifth Japanese concept is oubaitori, which teaches us not to compare ourselves with others. We must remember that our identity is as unique as our fingerprints, and just as siblings or even twins are two separate persons, we must always find joy in loving ourselves depite all the imperfections that we have. It also tells us that we each have our own course to follow, our own path to take, our own life to live. It is not right to compare our timeline with that of others, or what they have achieved so far because we have our own destiny to fulfill. It is definitely useless to feel envious if we think others are making greater strides in life than we are, we must always be thankful for the progress that we make, however slow or fast it is.
Next is kaizen, which is the Japanese term for continuous improvement. I first heard of this term when our agency was gearing up for its ISO Certification that we established the Quality Management System or QMS. It teaches us that we must be focusing on how we will make our tomorrow better than today. We must always strive to become better versions of ourselves. It is acceptable to make some minute changes or mistakes along the way so long as it prompts us to improve and become more efficient and better.
The last Japanese concept is Shu-Ha-Ri which will guide us in mastering a specific technique or skill in life.
it is written in the Chinese classic text Tao Te Ching: "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready, the teacher will disappear." This concept teaches us that there are three stages in acquiring knowledge: Shu means learning the basics by following or imitating the master; Ha means experimenting and integrating the learning into practice; and Ri which means innovation and the ability to apply learnings in varied contexts and situations.
Lastly, but I think the most important of all concepts is faith in God. We can plan whatever we want in life but if we do this without HIs guidance and blessing, then I certainly believe that it will not succeed at all. We have to be reminded that whatever we do in life, we have to always choose to do good unto others no matter what.
And so with that, I would like to still greet all our readers a Happy and Prosperous 2023!