Self-actualisation Begins with Aru-ga-mama

Understanding the True Nature of Things

How does one begin to self-actualise?

Self-actualisation starts with acceptance: acceptance of yourself, of others, and of the world you live in. This is articulated by the Japanese word arugamama, which literally translates to ‘as it is’. Arugamama means the acceptance of the true nature of things.

• Aru = to exist
• ga = subject maker
• mama = as (it is); remaining (in a state); keeping (the same); leaving (unchanged)​

Morita Therapy

This is the foundation of Morita therapy, a psychotherapy developed by the Japanese psychiatrist, researcher, and philosopher Shoma Morita (1874–1938), who wanted to help people suffering from social anxiety and depression. Morita felt that nothing is either positive or negative; rather, any external stimulus simply creates pleasant or unpleasant emotions that we can learn to live with.

The emphasis in this approach is simply on acceptance, and focusing on the one thing you can control: your own actions. This is very different from the standard approach in Western psychology, which involves deep explorations of our emotions and their origins. Morita stressed that, pleasant or unpleasant, emotions do pass, and if you can…