by Did you know that Japan is home to the longest living people in the world? According to reports, in 2021, life expectancy in the country was over 87 years for women and over 81 years for men. It is the way of life that contributes to your longevity. Your healthy eating habits are one thing. But have you heard of the Japanese concepts of life that promote the idea of a happy and healthy life? Well, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, a champion of mental health awareness, seems to be inspired by these Japanese life philosophies!
Deepika, who has battled depression and also runs a mental health foundation, often shares her thoughts on the subject via social media. In the recent past, he shared two such posts indicating his interest in ‘gehraiyaan’ or the depth of life according to the Japanese concepts of Ikagai and Kaizen.
Both mindsets are about accepting your calling in life and working towards it every day. Deepika Padukone shared two posts with the meaning of Ikagai and Kaizen, as explained by blogger Rudra Singh, also known as @cosmosbyrudra.
Check out Deepika Padukone’s post right here!
There are more such philosophies to help people flourish in life. Come let us tell you about these Japanese concepts that can help you transform the way you live.
ikagai
According to Rudra Singh, it is a Japanese concept that literally translates as “a reason for being”. The concept urges you to discover your purpose in life, determine the reason you wake up each day, choose something that aligns with your strengths, passion, and the needs of the world. It is about giving meaning to life, he explains.
The Ikagai concept delves into the intertwined and intersecting worlds of passion, mission, profession and vocation. In addition, it urges people to strive for a balance between what you are good at, what you get paid, what the world needs and what you love, in order to have a fulfilling life.
kaizen
Rudra Singh describes Kaizen as a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement: improve one percent every day. It is a philosophy that Deepika Padukone has always followed. In a 2010 interview, the actor told me, “I expect a lot from myself… I’m extremely ambitious and I won’t stop at anything or anyone… I’m rarely satisfied with what I do.” That constant self-motivated drive to better yourself, even by a margin, is what Kaizen is all about.
Also read: Be kinder to yourself: we tell you 5 ways to do it
wabi sabi
The sweet Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi is all about the beauty of imperfection. As Rudra Singh explains, it is “the art of finding elegance in the imperfect and the unconventional; a celebration of the passing of time and the wisdom that comes with age.” Wabi Sabi is actually a state of mind: a way of embracing and accepting the impermanence of things, as well as slowing down, stopping, and looking. The purpose is to find your idea of the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Oubaitori
This is perhaps one of the most beautiful Japanese concepts to improve the way one thinks and lives. Oubaitori, according to the Japanese magazine Yamato, is an analogy based on how each of the four spring trees (cherry, plum, apricot, and peach) take their own time to bloom.
The art of never comparing yourself to others is what Oubaitori is. If we practice this in everyday life, without getting bogged down by the pressure of the dispossessed, living life would be less stressful. Rudra Singh breaks it down by writing: “I think about how often we try to accelerate our own growth or compare ourselves to others. We see someone else’s success and think we should be further along on our own journey. We see the beauty of another person and think that we should look a certain way. But the truth is that we are all on our own path and must embrace our own unique journey.”
Also Read: 3 Reasons Why You Should Stop Comparing Your Relationship With Others
shikata ga nai
If there is a phrase for the art of letting go in Japanese culture, it is Shikata ga nai. According to this term, when things get out of control, it is best to accept them as they are. This Japanese philosophy is about accepting the fact that, whether it’s ups and downs, unpredictability, or complexity, they are a part of life. And sometimes, we just have to keep going instead of stopping at roadblocks.
While we all face everyday challenges in life, finding a balance between work and home, family and friends, heart and mind, following some of these Japanese pearls of wisdom can bring about positive change in your life. Try it!
