Oubaitori : Embrace your unique journey!

Week 22 :?Oubaitori: Embrace your own unique journey

These days, it's all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, getting caught up in the rat race, and striving to meet societal expectations of success. Mental health, peace, happiness all take a hit when constantly comparing ourselves with others and these arbitrary yardsticks of success. There is a profound concept from ancient Japanese philosophy that reminds us to embrace our unique journey and avoid the pitfalls of comparison: Oubaitori.

Oubaitori is derived from the Japanese concept that all trees and flowers bloom at their own time, they don’t compete with each other. It emphasises the importance of being fully present, attentive, and appreciative of the present moment, without being distracted by past regrets or future worries. Oubaitori encourages us to find beauty and meaning in the smallest of things, and to cultivate a mindful and intentional approach to life, including our professional endeavours.

One of the key aspects of applying Oubaitori to our professional life is recognising that each person's journey is unique. We are all different, with our own strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and aspirations. Comparing ourselves to others can be detrimental to our well-being and hinder our progress. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and frustration. Instead, we should focus on our own path, honour our individuality, and celebrate our achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

Embracing our unique journey means setting our own standards of success, rather than conforming to external expectations. Society often defines success in terms of job titles, salaries, and material possessions. However, true success is subjective and deeply personal. It could mean finding fulfilment in a meaningful job, pursuing our passions, achieving work-life balance, making a positive impact on others, or simply finding joy in the process of our work. For a painter a deeply personal painting can be as fulfilling as a billion dollar deal to an investment banker. By defining success on our own terms, we can align our professional pursuits with our values and lead a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Another aspect of Oubaitori in our professional life is the importance of being present and mindful in our work. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of deadlines, targets, and goals, and lose sight of the present moment. However, being fully present in our work allows us to be more focused, creative, and effective. It enables us to bring our whole selves to our tasks, engage with our colleagues and clients authentically, and produce higher quality work. Practicing mindfulness in our professional life also helps us manage stress, enhance our well-being, and foster a healthy work environment.

In addition, Oubaitori reminds us of the significance of self-compassion and self-care in our professional life. It's essential to prioritise our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and not neglect ourselves in the pursuit of professional success. Taking care of ourselves allows us to show up as our best selves in our work, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It also helps us build resilience, cope with challenges, and sustain long-term success in our career journey.

In conclusion, follow Oubaitori by embracing our unique journey, being present and mindful in our work, setting our own standards of success, being intentional in our actions and see the world take on a new colour of harmony and peace.