Japanese people, especially those who live in Okinawa, seem to enjoy longer, happier and disease-free lives than those in the West. This has now been attributed to a concept referred to as “Ikigai,” which translates to “the reason for being/waking up”. The five main precepts are:
- Wabi Sabi: Finding Beauty in Imperfection,
By acknowledging that nothing is perfect, including yourself is a philosophical concept that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. It helps embrace the cycle of life from birth to death, knowing nothing is always 100% correct, fosters a deeper connection to nature and a mindful approach to everyday life, encouraging you to find peace and contentment in the fleeting and imperfect. - Hara Hachi Bu: Stop Eating Before You Are 100% Full.
This technique approaches every meal with mindfulness and, prevents overeating – resulting in better digestion, achievement of an ideal weight, long-term health and well-being.
To practice this technique, you must eat slowly, savour every bite, and listen to your body. This principle not only makes you feel better but will teach you to stop eating before you are 100% full, increase your life expectancy and help you stay fit, thereby enabling you to avoid chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. - Shoshin: Beginner’s Mind.
By simply approaching everything with a beginner’s mindset helps you stay creative, innovative, and curious. It also opens your mind to new ideas and experiences. This means you are able to approach every moment as a growing opportunity, regardless of your preconceived notions or prior knowledge. - Kakeibo: Living to a Budget.
When your finances are in order, you’ll be less stressed and more focused on what matters. Simply documenting your expenses and income allows you to monitor your spending patterns, listing where you earn, spend, save, and give. Proponents say that this principle can truly transform your life. - Kaizen: Focus on Small Improvements Everyday.
This Japanese philosophy emphasizes making small, incremental improvements on a personal level each day to attain a better efficiency and quality of life. Put simply it’s a belief in being better than yesterday and the formation of positive microhabits.
Using even a couple of these concepts regularly can assist us in finding more purpose and happiness whilst living each day – and that can’t be a bad thing!
