Although gold is not what glitters in Japan, it has a vision of the world and traditions that allow many to develop their lives. Healthy and satisfying.
The healthy habits of the Japanese stem from ancient times and a worldview that prioritizes inner peace and harmony with the environment and others.
1. Shinrin-yoku
To find peace and regain strength, the Japanese practice shinrin-yoku, “forest bathing.” It involves immersing yourself in the forest for several hours, Let go of your usual worries and enjoy everything that comes to you through your senses.
A stay in the forest, where you breathe in the environment with all your senses, has a rejuvenating effect on the body and mind, because Humans experience “biophilia”, Which tends to connect with the natural environment, animals and plants, because we have evolved in their company for millions of years.
The scientifically proven physical and mental health benefits of this popular wellness ritual include: Reduced stress, better sleep, increased concentration and creativity, physical recovery, regulation of the immune system and an overall sense of well-being.
To practice Shinrin-yoku all you have to do is go to the forest (or park) and follow the steps we explain. How do you take a jungle bath?
2. Ikigai
Ikigai has a long history in Japan. It is a completely common and everyday word meaning “Value of Life” or “Meaning of Life”.
Essentially, your ikigai It is the thing or things worth waking up to every morning. However, not everyone knows their ikigai. Finding and cultivating them can help you live more fully, developing your skills, desires and passions.
You cannot force the discovery of your Ikigai. It’s about freeing yourself from social constraints and living your true self. So don’t stress, just integrate the question of why you get up in the morning into your daily life.
Every activity or subject that piques your interest can become your ikigai. It could be, for example, learning to paint or play an instrument or volunteering for an NGO.
If you want to know more about ikigai, you can read the book dedicated to it by Francesque Miralles or Bodymente: Ikigai: The Japanese secret to live and better. In this video you will also find other keys to finding and cultivating your ikigai:
3. Moai
Like ikigai, moai is a concept that comes from the island of Okinawa, an area of the world where People live longer than average, are happier and healthier.
There are Moai A group of lifelong friends where joys and problems are shared, and who are always ready to lend support. They begin to form in childhood and last throughout life.
Originally Moise They were formed to pool the resources of the entire town For public projects or works. If a person needed capital to buy land or attend an emergency, the moa was the only way to raise money.
Today this idea has expanded Become a social support network, A cultural tradition that encourages unity and harmony.
In the vicinity of Okinawa, Friends “come together for a common purpose” (sometimes daily and sometimes two days a week) to chat, share fun and personal discoveries. If required, material help is also provided.
Traditionally, groups of about five children were formed and committed to each other for life. As their second family, they meet with their moa periodically for both work and play and to gather resources. Some moa live more than 90 years.
Members of Moa They contribute monthly to the group Which is used for dinners, games, meetings or any hobby you have in common. Part of this fund can be used if a member’s well-being is at risk.
Close relationships, more than money or fame, keep people happy throughout their lives. These bonds protect people from dissatisfaction with life and help delay physical and mental deterioration.
4. Hara Hachi Bu
Okinawa has more than 60 people over the age of 100 per 100,000 residents, three times more than the United States. Part of the secret is due to the diet and one of its principles is Hara Hachi Bu, the rule that recommends Eat only until you fill the “eight parts of the stomach”. In this way, excessive calorie intake and all the related problems can be avoided.
Science says that the brain realizes that the stomach has reached its limit 15 to 20 minutes after it is actually full. It means that The slower you eat, the sooner you will know where your body is full.
Practicing Hara Hachi Bu is essential Consume Consciously, Which means savoring every bite, chewing it thoroughly and not being distracted by anything other than food.
5. Omotenashi
Also known as Japanese hospitality. The concept is almost impossible to translate, as it is much more than pure hospitality and in Japan it goes beyond what we generally understand as a good host in the West.
The magic of Omotenashi lies within Create an environment in which visitors feel comfortable and safe, without expecting anything in return. It is the fruit of acting from the heart without selfishness.
Omotenashi’s imperial origins date back to the origins of the tea ceremony, whose rules were established by Master Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century. During the tea ceremony, The host gives full attention to his guests. To understand the meaning of omotenashi is to understand Japanese culture at a deeper level.
Of course, not everyone is always polite, courteous or empathetic, but Many of the values embodied in Omotenashi reinforce positive cooperation and ensure that one feels welcome.
Allomotenashi Where something comes from the heart it can be found. If you keep your eyes open during your visit to Japan, you’ll be able to appreciate countless behaviors that go unnoticed but are well-intentioned.
6. Kaizen
This concept applies in the business world. The word Kaizen is coined Kai (change) and Zen (for the greater good). It refers to the permanent improvement of activities, procedures, processes or products by all employees of the company.
The important thing is not so much the great innovations, but it is every employee Constantly critically question your activities And continuously improve your workplace and the way you work.
Kaizen philosophy It means improvements for everyone, always and everywhere. Masaki Imai first drew attention to the concept of continuous improvement in the West in his 1986 book Kaizen: The Key to Japanese Competitive Success.
According to Kaizen, Improvement is always possible. Can products, services, processes, activities, workplaces… everything be improved.
The Kaizen way of thinking says that every worker should think daily about what can be improved, Simplify or optimize your work and make appropriate suggestions. This applies to all companies or other organizations.
Kaizen, therefore, provides opportunities for recognition and growth at work, which is an important aspect of our lives.
