Ichigo Ichie
5 ways to practice the Japanese philosophy of the moment
Unique, magic, vibrant, that is how the moment is. The awareness of its fugacity, volatility makes us more alive, explains Héctor Garcia and Francesc Miralles in their book « Fais de chaque instant le Meilleur de ta vie.»
Ichigo ichie: a Japanese life philosophy literally translated to « one time, one encounter.»
This philosophy incorporates the idea that each experience we in which we live is a unique treasure that will never occur again. If we let it escape us without enjoying it, we will lose forever the opportunity.
Here are 5 takeaways about how to practice the Ichigo Ichie :
1) Do « zazen » — or sit and observe
When our mind is overloaded, our emotions blur our vision and our perception of reality. The Zen tradition suggests making a stop. To pause all movements in our body in order to allow our minds to slow down.
When we sit and observe, we are spectators of the now, the moment. That practice can stop our mind from wandering in the past or the future.
Out of that illusion of the past and the future, we are able to be fully present in our bodies and live fully in the moment. That pause will also allow us…
