7 eye-opening Japanese concepts

1. Ikigai

Discover your purpose in life.

Determine the reason you wake up each morning.

Choose something that aligns with your strengths, passions, and the needs of the world.

This is what gives life meaning.

2. Shikita ga nai

Let go of what you cannot change.

Recognize that there are some things are just out of our control, and that's okay.

Let go and focus on what you can change.

3. Wabi-sabi

Find peace in imperfection.

Recognize that nothing in life is perfect, including yourself and others.

Instead of striving for flawlessness, find joy in the imperfections that make life unique.

4. Gaman an

Preserve your dignity during tough times.

Show emotional maturity and self-control, even when faced with challenges.

Remember to be patient, resilient, and understanding.

5. Oubaitori

Don't compare yourself to others.

Everyone has a different timeline and unique path.

It's important to focus on your own progress, rather than trying to measure yourself against others.

6. Kaizen

Always seek to improve in all areas of your life.

Even small changes can add up and make a big impact over time.

7. Shu-Ha-Ri Shu

Learn the basics by following the teaching of one master.

Imitating the work of great masters also falls in this stage.

Start experimenting, learn from masters, and integrate the learning into the practice