Shoshin

Shoshin is a concept in Japan that means beginners mind. This concept encourages a person to have a fresh perspective and be open to learning new things without any preconceived notions. Shoshin allows one to develop a positive attitude and openness to new information, opinions and views, and a willingness to unlearn set practices and beliefs. In a wider sense, Shoshin will also help adults and children cultivate humility and make a fresh start. The beginner’s mind applies not just to learn a subject or a new skill but in all aspects of life.

How you can implement it in your daily life: Have an open mind while approaching any new subject or task and train your kids to do the same.

“In Japan, when someone praises you for your prowess in a particular skill or subject, you dismiss it with all humility saying that you are just learning. Even if a person is an expert in something, they do not let their previous knowledge cloud their perspective when gaining new information,” explains Vinay CR.

Ikigai

In the book, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, authors Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles write that according to the Japanese, every person has an Ikigai but they need to find it within themselves. The word roughly translates to having a purpose in life. According to Japanese philosophy, when you do what you love and what the world needs; are good at it and also get paid for it, you find your Ikigai. This brings meaning, balance and happiness into your life. You continue to do what you love and lead an active life, even after growing old.

How you can implement it in your daily life: It is important to find joy in the work you do, and to lead a healthy and active life to experience Ikigai. Many of us parents try to influence our children to take up a vocation that we approve, instead of allowing them to choose something that would bring them joy. Also, it is important to inculcate mindfulness and the spirit of giving in children, so that as they grow up they will develop social conscience and feel a sense of purpose in their lives. Simple acts like planting saplings, sharing their belongings with those less-privileged, helping in a charitable cause and spending time outdoors without gadgets will help children come closer to their Ikigai.

“A close Japanese friend of mine, who grew up in the rural parts of the Aomori prefecture (In Japan, prefectures are the governmental bodies or divisions which are larger than cities, towns, and villages) fondly remembers how his parents encouraged him to commune with Nature. Japanese parents never categorize children or label them saying he’s brilliant, she’s very naughty, etc. They encourage children to be their natural self. Parents are non-interfering and accepting of their children. This helps the children become well-balanced individuals early in life,” says S Narayan, a media professional and father of a 15-year-old girl, who has studied the Japanese language and culture.

“Japanese parents adopt a positive approach toward children. They encourage them to fine-tune their natural inclination towards certain skills. For example, I’ve seen people growing up close to Mount Fuji taking to pottery and saying that it was something they always wanted to do as children,” adds S Narayan.

Wabi-Sabi

The Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi focuses on seeing beauty in imperfections and in the ordinary. It also means accepting these imperfections, finding joy in the simple things around us and the realization that everything in life is impermanent.

How you can implement it in your daily life: Author Mark Reibstein, in his extraordinary children’s book, Wabi-Sabi tells the tale of a cat named Wabi-Sabi, who sets out to find the meaning of his name. Through the cat, the author explains to children this profound Japanese philosophy of seeing beauty in simplicity. This book is a good starting point for explaining children about this philosophy. Another activity would be to give your child some molding clay and asking her to make different shapes and sizes that are imperfect or have cracks in them. Help her see the beauty in the pieces. Also, give your child a challenge to find household items that are imperfect, but serve their purpose for example a chipped plate, a shirt missing a few buttons, a crooked pot and so on.

ONE WHO SMILES RATHER THAN GETS ANGRY AND LOSES THEIR TEMPER IS ALWAYS STRONGER.

Japanese Proverb

SOLITUDE IS CREATIVITY’S BEST FRIEND, AND SOLITUDE IS REFRESHMENT FOR OUR SOULS.