15 Simple but Profound Japanese Habits that Will Change Your Life
Japan is a country rich in culture and tradition, and its people have a deep appreciation for the beauty of everyday life. Japanese habits often reflect this appreciation, and many of them can be easily incorporated into our own lives to improve our well-being and happiness. Here are 15 simple but profound Japanese habits that will change your life:
1. Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese worldview that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. It is about accepting the natural world as it is, including its flaws and imperfections. This can help us to appreciate the beauty of everyday things and to let go of perfectionism.
For example, instead of focusing on the blemishes on our face, we can appreciate the unique lines and wrinkles that tell the story of our lives. Or, instead of being disappointed that a flower is wilting, we can admire its delicate beauty in its final stage of life.
2. Shinrin-yoku
Shinrin-yoku, which means "forest bathing," is the practice of spending time in nature for health and wellness. Studies have shown that shinrin-yoku can reduce stress, boost the immune system, and improve mood.
Even if you don't have access to a forest, you can still reap the benefits of shinrin-yoku by spending time in a park, garden, or even just sitting under a tree. Simply being surrounded by nature can help you to relax and connect with the natural world.
3. Ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to one's reason for being. It is the intersection of what one is good at, what one loves to do, what the world needs, and what one can be paid for. Finding one's ikigai can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
To find your ikigai, reflect on your passions, skills, and values. Consider what you enjoy doing, what you're good at, and what makes you feel fulfilled. Then, think about how your skills and talents can contribute to the world in a meaningful way.
4. Kaizen
Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. It is about making small, incremental changes over time to achieve big results. This can be applied to all areas of life, from personal productivity to business success.
For example, if you want to improve your fitness, you could start by walking for 10 minutes every day. Then, you could gradually increase the duration of your walks or add in other forms of exercise. Or, if you want to improve your writing skills, you could start by writing for 15 minutes every day. Then, you could gradually increase the length of your writing sessions or focus on specific aspects of your writing, such as grammar or style.
5. Omiyage
Omiyage is the Japanese custom of bringing gifts when visiting someone. This is a way to show appreciation and to strengthen relationships.
The gift doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate. It can be something simple, such as a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers. The thoughtfulness of the gesture is what matters most.
6. Goshin-jigi
Goshin-jigi is the Japanese custom of helping those in need. This can be done in big or small ways, such as volunteering or simply lending a listening ear.
Helping others is a great way to boost your own happiness and well-being. It can also help to build stronger communities and make the world a better place.
7. Mono no aware
Mono no aware is the Japanese concept of the ephemerality of beauty. It is about appreciating the fleeting nature of things and finding beauty in impermanence.
For example, we can appreciate the beauty of a cherry blossom in bloom, even though we know that it will soon fall. Or, we can find beauty in the changing seasons, knowing that each season has its own unique charm.
8. Setsumei
Setsumei is the Japanese art of explanation. It is about being able to clearly and concisely communicate one's ideas. This can be helpful in both personal and professional relationships.
To improve your setsumei skills, focus on being organized and logical in your thinking. Break down your ideas into small, easy-to-understand steps. And use clear and concise language that is free of jargon.
9. Mottainai
Mottainai is the Japanese concept of wastefulness. It is about valuing all resources and not taking anything for granted. This can help us to be more mindful of our consumption habits and to reduce our impact on the environment.
To practice mottainai, we can start by being more mindful of our possessions and using them until they are no longer usable. We can practice mottainai by reducing consumption, reusing and recycling items, embracing imperfection, supporting local businesses, being mindful of our food intake, appreciating nature, and spreading the mottainai message.
These practices can help us live more sustainably and contribute to a better future.
10. Hara hachi bu
Hara hachi bu is a Japanese concept that encourages people to eat until they are 80% full. This is said to help with digestion, weight management, and overall health.
To practice hara hachi bu, pay attention to your body's signals of fullness. When you are no longer hungry, but you still feel a little satisfied, stop eating. This may take some practice, but it can be a helpful way to break the cycle of overeating.
11. Wani ga tsukareru
Wani ga tsukareru is a Japanese proverb that means "the crocodile gets tired of running." It is a reminder that we should not try to do everything ourselves and that it is okay to ask for help.
This can be especially important in times of stress or difficulty. When we are feeling overwhelmed, it can be easy to become resentful of others for not helping us. However, it is important to remember that everyone has their own limits and that there is no shame in asking for help.
12. Nenbutsu
Nenbutsu is a Buddhist practice that involves chanting the phrase "Namu Amida Butsu." This is said to help practitioners connect with Amida Buddha and cultivate a state of peace and tranquility.
While nenbutsu may seem like a simple practice, it can be a powerful tool for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help to promote mindfulness and focus.
13. Gemba
Gemba is a Japanese term that refers to the real place where work is done. This concept is often used in lean manufacturing and other business settings to identify and eliminate waste.
However, gemba can also be applied to our personal lives. By taking the time to observe our own habits and behaviors, we can identify areas where we can make improvements.
14. Kintsugi
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer. This practice is based on the belief that flaws and imperfections can add beauty and value to an object.
In a similar way, we can learn to accept our own flaws and imperfections and see them as part of what makes us unique. This can help us to develop greater self-acceptance and self-love.
15. Enryo
Enryo is a Japanese concept that refers to humility and self-restraint. It is about being mindful of your impact on others and avoiding putting yourself forward in a way that might make others uncomfortable.
Enryo can be practiced in a variety of ways, such as by waiting your turn to speak, not interrupting others, and avoiding bragging or boasting about your accomplishments.
By incorporating these simple yet profound Japanese habits into your life, you can learn to appreciate the beauty of everyday things, reduce stress, improve your relationships, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
