Unexpected times
The last few years prepared us for just about anything that can come our way – from the worldwide lockdown due to the pandemic to the war between Russia and Ukraine. This year has not been any different, and already we’ve been challenged and tested as a country.
During unexpected and challenging times. there are a few Japanese concepts that might come in handy.
- ‘Ikigai’ – Discover your purpose in life
‘Iki’ in Japanese means ‘life’ and ‘gai’ describes value or worth. Each of us should determine the reason why we wake up every morning. Choose something that aligns with your strengths, passions and the need of the world. This is what will give your life meaning.
- ‘Shikita ga nai’ – Let go of what you cannot change
The meaning of the concept is that ‘it cannot be helped’. It’s something we’ve grown up hearing as advice and suggestions from others, but the Japanese really imbibe it into their lives.
We should recognise that there are some things that are just out of our control, and that’s okay. Let it go and focus on what you can change.
- ‘Wabi-sabi’ – Find peace in imperfection
This ancient Japanese philosophy means accepting the imperfections in life and making the most of them. The idea of the concept is to relieve oneself of the pressures of being perfect.
Recognise that nothing in life is perfect, including yourself and others. Instead of striving for flawlessness, find yourself in the imperfections that make life unique.
- ‘Gaman’ – Preserve your dignity during tough times
This concept is widely similar to that of having a high threshold for tolerance and patience, because ‘Gaman’ translates into enduring toughness and the unbearable with patience and dignity. It supports the attitude of maintaining calm during stressful times and holding your own, even in the worst of times.
Show emotional maturity and self-control even when faced with challenges. Remember to be patient, resilient and understanding.
- ‘Oubaitori’ – Don’t compare yourself to others
This is a Japanese idiom that talks about never feeling the need to compare yourself to someone else. Taking its inspiration from the trees, it comes from the kanji for the four trees that bloom in spring: cherry, plum, apricot and peach. It implies that each flower blooms in its own time and, similarly, every individual has his own journey to embark on.
Everyone has a different timeline and a unique path. It’s important to focus on your own progress rather than trying to measure yourself against others.
- ‘Kaizen’ – Always seek to improve in all areas of your life
It is a Japanese term that means continuous change, or improvement for the better. It is often used as a business philosophy and is made up of two words: ‘kai’ meaning ‘change’ and ‘zen’ meaning ‘good’.
Even small changes can add up and have a big impact over time.
- Shu-Ha-Ri – ‘When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready, the teacher will disappear’
It’s a way of thinking about how to learn and master a technique. There are three stages to acquiring knowledge:
- Shu − Learn the basics by following the teaching of one master. Imitating the work of great masters also falls in this stage.
- Ha − Start experimenting, learn from masters, and integrate the learning into practice.
- Ri − This stage focuses on innovation and the ability to apply your learning to a variety of situations.
GERINDA ENGELBRECHT
Editor: Accountancy SA
