10 Japanese Concepts to live by
/The Japanese for centuries have been recognized for these concepts that reveal the secret to living longer and a more meaningful life. As we are new in our new year, these 10 Japanese concepts can transform your life giving you a new beginning and a fresh start with self love and confidence and a sense of purpose. Learn these concepts and practice them to help improve your lifestyle and everyday patterns in life.
First you will learn what each concept is and what it means, then you will learn how to live by each concept and how to practice each concept daily.
Wa (harmony): The concept of Wa is centered around the idea of working together and maintaining harmony in social and interpersonal relationships. It is a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture, and is often cited as a key factor in the country's success in business and society.
Nemawashi (laying the foundations): This concept refers to the process of building consensus and gaining support for a decision or action before it is implemented. It is a gradual process of consultation and communication that is done informally and behind the scenes, and is considered an essential part of decision-making in Japanese business and politics.
Shikata ga nai (it can't be helped): This phrase is often used to express acceptance of things that cannot be changed. It is a way of acknowledging that life is unpredictable and that sometimes things happen that are outside of our control. It also implies a sense of stoicism and resilience in the face of adversity.
Kaizen (continuous improvement): Kaizen is a Japanese business philosophy that emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in all aspects of life. It is based on the idea that small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time. It is often applied in manufacturing and quality control, but can also be applied to personal development and other areas of life.
Mottainai (waste not, want not): This concept is all about using resources efficiently and not wasting anything. It is based on the idea that everything has value and should be used to the fullest extent possible. It is often used to encourage recycling and conservation, but can also be applied to other areas of life.
Kansha (gratitude): Kansha is the act of expressing gratitude and appreciation for the things that one has. It is based on the idea that being grateful for what we have can lead to greater happiness and contentment in life.
Gambatte (perseverance): Gambatte is a Japanese phrase that means "do your best" or "hang in there." It is often used as a form of encouragement and is based on the idea that with hard work and determination, we can overcome any obstacle.
Gaman (endurance): Gaman is the ability to endure hardship or suffering with dignity and stoicism. It is about being able to withstand difficult situations and not giving up, even in the face of adversity.
Omotenashi (hospitality): Omotenashi is the act of providing warmth and hospitality to others. It is about making guests feel comfortable and welcome, and is a central aspect of Japanese culture.
Shinto (the way of the gods): Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan, which emphasizes the worship of nature spirits and the veneration of ancestors. It is based on the idea that everything in the natural world has a spirit, and that these spirits can be propitiated or honored through various rituals and ceremonies. The concepts of Shinto often inform the Japanese way of life such as respect for nature and ancestor veneration.
Learning to live by these concepts daily can take time and practice, but here are a few ways you can start incorporating them into your life:
Wa (harmony): Practice active listening and empathy in your interactions with others. Make an effort to understand other people's perspectives and find common ground.
Nemawashi (laying the foundations): Before making any important decisions, make sure to consult with relevant parties, and gather their input and feedback.
Shikata ga nai (it can't be helped): Practice acceptance and mindfulness when faced with difficult situations. Instead of resisting or complaining, try to understand and make peace with what you cannot change.
Kaizen (continuous improvement): Set small, achievable goals for yourself and make a plan for how to achieve them. Reflect on your progress regularly and make adjustments as necessary.
Mottainai (waste not, want not): Be mindful of your consumption and try to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible.
Kansha (gratitude): Practice gratitude daily by making a list of things you are thankful for, or by writing thank-you notes to people who have helped or supported you.
Gambatte (perseverance): Set challenging goals for yourself and work towards them, even when faced with obstacles. Remind yourself to "hang in there" and remember that success comes from consistent effort over time.
Gaman (endurance): Practice mental and emotional resilience by learning to accept and cope with difficult situations. Try to see the positive aspects of difficult experiences and learn from them.
Omotenashi (hospitality): Practice hospitality by making an effort to make others feel comfortable and welcome in your home, at work, or in your community.
Shinto (the way of the gods): To practice the way of the gods, try to connect with nature by taking walks, or by spending time in nature. You could also learn more about the Shinto religion, and try to incorporate its teachings into your daily life.
Remember that learning to live by these concepts is a lifelong journey, and it's okay to make mistakes along the way. The key is to keep trying and to always strive to improve
