Minimalism – The New Habit

Japonisme is very close to me. The recent lockdown has made my belief stronger in the Japanese way of life. I would like to share few practices which one can and most of us may already have started adopting in our lives. Return to basics. We need minimal to survive.

Ikigai : What is the purpose of my life? Why do I do what I do?

A good time to slow down and rethink on one’s self skill sets, passion, what the world needs and what can help one earn money.

Zen : A state of mind at peace and self aware. The art of simple living.

One doesn’t need to go to the mountains or forests to practice zen. Meditation for me is in things I enjoy doing, art, craft, cooking and can be different for different people. Anything that one enjoys  doing.

Wabi Sabi – The beauty of imperfection and impermanence.

Just when we got comfortable with our lives, the universe shook us. Nothing is permanent. Live in the moment. Enjoy each moment and make the most of it. I have stopped worrying what’s going to happen post lockdown or when will it ease. I am enjoying each day as it comes.

Kintsugi – Finding beauty in imperfection

There was a time that things once broken or worn out, we rushed to find replacements. In this period we have learned so much about recycling, reusing old thing, create new things from old worn out things. Trust me there is a different satisfaction in doing that.

Shirin Yoku – Nourished by Nature

W have heard enough stories how nature is reviving itself in this lockdown period when its away from Humans. And we are thoroughly enjoying and cherishing those sights. This time has encouraged us to take care of nature by adapting small ways in which we can do our bit. Growing herbs at home, kitchen gardening, putting a stop to unnecessary prints, use of plastic and many more. Let us continue this way of life even post lockdown of embracing nature. Studies have proved that association with nature lowers the concentration of cortisal (stress hormone).

Hara Bachi Bu – Eat until you are 80% full.

Japanese focus a lot on health by adapting to various practices which easily help them adopt a healthy life. We have all been eating home cooked food, freshly prepared since more than 3 months now. Our awareness towards our body and health has increased many times. Lets keep it this way for times to come.  

The Japanese Home – Symbolises minimalism and focuses on de-clutter

We have realised n these 3months that there are not too many things we need to live and how much we have cluttered our homes with unnecessary things like clothes, furniture, footwear, artifacts and many more such things which we would not have used even once in the last on year. De-clutter and minimise and you will feel free.

The Bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resist.

Last in my list is the principle of kaizen – The Japanese method of transforming habits. Take one small step at a time. Lets not get under the peer pressure of trying to do it all in lockdown. Decide what you want to change or improve in your life. Focus on that.

Beginning is easy. Continuing is hard. Lets strive to continue and form habits. 

#SelfImprovement #SelfMotivation #Japonisme #Ikigai #WabiSabi #Motivation