Embracing gentle living
Japanese-inspired tips for a soft, balanced life
The Japanese are often revered as people with gentle attitudes, soft nature and an affinity for sweet, almost childish vulnerability (in culture, art and fashion).
My love for Japan makes me biased, but I do think that peeking behind the exotic curtain of this beautiful Asian country can offer us a multitude of concepts worth living by. So, let’s explore some principles of soft living that can help us cultivate a sense of harmony and wellbeing.
Wabi-sabi: embrace imperfection
Wabi-sabi is a concept that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, impermanence and rawness. It emerged from the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) in the 15th century, where it was a part of the ritual emphasising simplicity, modesty and appreciation for the natural world. Wabi refers to the rustic simplicity and understated elegance, while sabi conveys the beauty that comes with age and wear.
In the simplest way of living, it can translate to treasuring second-hand, thrifted objects that show some wear and tear. On a more philosophical level, it allows us to find beauty in the flawed, the weathered and the transient, whether in love or our relationship with our bodies and aging.
Shinrin-yoku: go forest-bathing
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, stems from the traditional Japanese belief in the healing power of nature. Developed in the 1980s as a response to increasing urbanisation and stress-related illnesses, the concept involves immersing oneself in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest (or any other natural element) to promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Scientific studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones and boost the immune system. Shinrin-yoku can be easily incorporated into our lives - through simple bushwalks, ocean dips or even a bit of walking barefoot on the grass near the house.
Omoiyari: cultivate empathy
Omoiyari is a Japanese term that, in essence, encompasses empathy, compassion and consideration for others. Rooted in the Confucian principle of ren (goodness, benevolence), omoiyari emphasises the importance of understanding and responding to the needs and feelings of others.
In Japanese society, omoiyari is deeply ingrained on a societal level and taught from a young age through cultural practices such as bowing, gift-giving, reverence for the elderly and respect for communal living.
In our Western, highly individualised world, we can cultivate omoiyari in our daily interactions through simple acts of kindness - smiling at strangers, helping people in need, and investing in deeper connections with our local community. This way, by promoting harmony and kindness, we can tap into our own self-love and self-compassion.
Ma: invite space and pause
Ma, often translated as “negative space” or “interval,” refers to the concept of space and pause in Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.
It is present in various art forms, including architecture, poetry and tea ceremony, where the intentional use of space creates a sense of balance, rhythm and harmony. Ma encourages us to appreciate the moments of silence, stillness and emptiness amidst the noise of everyday life. Embracing ma can look like minutes of quiet meditation upon waking up, walking in silence instead of listening to podcasts or talking with a friend. It can also mean simplifying life’s routines to create space for reflection, contemplation and mindfulness. Anyone can benefit from more ma.
Kintsugi: welcome impermanence
Kintsugi, which translates to “golden joinery,” became popular when the concept of wabi-sabi gained prominence outside of Japan. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with gold, silver or platinum. Originating in the 15th century, it has always embodied the philosophy of embracing imperfection, impermanence and the beauty of flaws.
Just as wrinkles and age spots are gracious evidence of a rich life experience, scars can be a gentle reminder of one’s braveness in the face of adversity.
