Zen Insight: Nurturing Shoshin & Hara Hachi Bu

In our fast-paced world, where the pursuit of perfection often overshadows the journey itself, it’s essential to pause and reflect on what truly brings us joy and fulfillment. One effective way to find balance in life is by embracing Japanese philosophies, which offer profound insights into living meaningfully. After explaining Ikigai and Kaizen to my daughter, she became curious to learn more about other Japanese philosophies.

In this segment, we’ll explore the concepts of Shoshin and Hara Hachi Bu—embracing curiosity and practicing moderation—to enhance our daily lives.

Shoshin: The Magic of a Beginner’s Mind

Shoshin is like putting on a pair of fresh glasses that allow you to see the world in a whole new light! It’s about approaching life with a childlike curiosity and an openness to new experiences.

“Curiosity opens the door to endless possibilities.”

I know a brilliant software engineer who excelled at coding but felt something was missing in his life. One day, he decided to explore organic farming.

Instead of thinking, “I’m an expert in technology; I should know how to do this,” he embraced the mindset of a curious beginner. He got his hands dirty, experimenting with different types of vegetables and playing with the soil. Initially, things didn’t turn out as he had imagined, but that was perfectly okay! Each attempt taught him something new and revealed the joy of the process.

By adopting the spirit of a beginner, he not only found happiness in organic farming but also infused fresh ideas into his engineering work. He learned to think outside the box and appreciate the beauty of trying new things.

So, what new adventure will you dive into with a curious heart?

Hara Hachi Bu: The Secret of Eating Just Right

Hara Hachi Bu is like finding the perfect balance on a seesaw! It teaches us to eat until we’re 80% full, promoting moderation and mindfulness.

“Balance is the key to harmony in life.”

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve always relished my big lunches. However, after indulging a bit too much, I often felt sluggish and struggled to concentrate—like trying to sprint with a heavy backpack!

One day, while reading a book, I stumbled upon the concept of Hara Hachi Bu. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. Instead of piling my plate high, I served myself just enough to feel satisfied without overstuffing.

At first, it felt a little odd. But soon, I noticed a significant change! After lunch, rather than feeling like a sleepy sloth, I felt light and energized. With that extra vitality, I was able to tackle my afternoon tasks with enthusiasm.

I discovered that eating mindfully—listening to my body and stopping when I felt comfortably full—helped me become more productive and improved my overall well-being. Just like finding the sweet spot on a seesaw keeps you balanced, eating just right keeps your energy flowing!

So, how can you practice moderation in your daily routines, from eating to screen time?

“Embrace the spirit of Shoshin to remain open to new experiences, and practice Hara Hachi Bu to enjoy them wisely.”

By embracing the philosophies of Shoshin and Hara Hachi Bu, we can cultivate a life rich in curiosity and balance. Both concepts encourage us to explore new adventures and appreciate the beauty of moderation in our everyday choices.

As you navigate your journey, consider what new experiences you can approach with a beginner’s mind and how practicing mindful eating can enhance your well-being.

Stay tuned for more insights into other Japanese philosophies that can help you live a more fulfilling life!

Thank you for taking the time to journey through these words; your presence here is truly appreciated.