There are countless techniques and philosophies to help you set or keep your life heading in the direction of your choice. Here are some that I have found helpful for keeping life in balance on the journey. Look on this page as an index from which to start your explorations; I will be expanding on each of the sections below in a series of posts, which will also be available from the sub-menus of this page.
As you explore these topics, you will probably see the interconnectedness running through them all as a theme; any single one of them is worthy of contemplation, but you will begin to notice how they overlap, flowing from one to another, leading you onwards (maybe).
Seven Japanese Techniques To Change Your Life
These seven concepts are found in different guises in many philosophies, but are presented here in something close (hopefully) to their Japanese form; the important thing is the ideas themselves rather than how they are labelled. With a little thought and careful application, they are excellent tools for keeping life in balance.
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1. Ikigai: Discover your purpose in Life.
You can think of it as determining the reason you wake up each morning. Choose something that aligns with your strengths, passions, and the needs of the world; this is how to increase the sense of meaning in life.
2. Shikata Ga Nai: Let go of what you cannot change.
It’s important to recognise that there are just some things that are out of our control. That’s okay, it’s how life goes; you have to try to let go and focus instead on what you can change.
3. Wabi-Sabi: Find Peace in Imperfection.
Inner peace comes when we arrive at the understanding that nothing in life is perfect, including ourselves and others. Instead of striving for flawlessness, we can find joy in the imperfections that make life unique.
4. Gaman: Preserve your dignity during tough times.
When faced with challenges, we can show emotional maturity and self-control. Remember to be patient, resilient and understanding; resist the temptation to react rather than respond.
5. Oubaitori: Don’t compare yourself to others.
Everyone is on their own journey, and has different timelines and a unique path. It’s important to focus on your own progress, rather than measuring yourself against others.
6. Kaizen: Always seek to improve in all areas of your life.
Even seemingly small changes can add up to make a big impact over time. Steady progress wins the day.
7. Shu-Ha-Ri: “When the student is ready the teacher will appear.”
This is a widespread concept, found in Buddhism, Zen teachings and the Tao Te Ching amongst others; it suggests that as we make our way earnestly along a path, we will encounter people or circumstances to reinforce that choice
“When the student is ready the teacher will appear; when the student is truly ready the teacher will disappear”.
Tao Te Ching
Learning From The Stoics
The key tenets of Stoicism, listed here, provide a practical framework to promote inner tranquility and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. When things get tough, taking a moment to reflect on these ideas can be tremendously helpful for keeping life in balance.
Virtue is the Highest Good:
The stoics believed that the ultimate goal in life is to cultivate the desire for, and live in accordance with virtue; according to their view, this encompasses qualities such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
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Acceptance of What is Beyond Our Control:
Stoics emphasized the importance of focusing on what is within our control and accepting what is beyond it. They believed that external events and circumstances are outside of our control, but our thoughts, actions, and judgments however, are within our power.
Emotional Resilience:
The individual should learn to cultivate emotional resilience by training the mind to respond rationally and calmly to challenging situations; this can be encouraged by the regular practice mindfulness, self-discipline, and detachment from external outcomes.
Amor Fati (Love of Fate):
Regardless of the circumstances, the Stoics advocated for embracing and loving one’s fate, always looking for the positive or opportunity for growth. They believed that accepting and embracing whatever happens in life, whether favourable or unfavourable, leads to inner peace and contentment.
Living in the Present Moment:
Stoicism emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By being fully present in each moment, we can better appreciate and engage with our experiences.
The Dichotomy of Control:
It is important to distinguish between things that are within our control (our thoughts, actions, and attitudes) and things that are outside our control (external events, other people’s opinions), recognising the so-called ‘dichotomy of control’. The Stoics advised focusing on what is within our control and letting go of attachment to external outcomes.
Memento Mori (Remember Death):
Stoicism emphasizes the contemplation of mortality and the transient nature of life. It is often misunderstood to mean morbid pre-occupation with death, but this is not so; the practice is intended to serve as a reminder to live each day to the fullest, value the present moment, and prioritize what truly matters.
Practice of Self-reflection and Self-improvement:
Stoicism encourages individuals to engage in regular self-reflection, examining their thoughts, actions, and values. In seeking to understand oneself better, and continually striving for self-improvement, we can align their lives with the principles of virtue discussed above.
Interconnectedness and Cosmopolitanism:
Stoics believed in the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of treating others with kindness, fairness, and empathy. They promoted a sense of cosmopolitanism, viewing all humans as part of a larger human family.
Balance and Moderation:
Stoicism advocates for finding balance and practicing moderation in all aspects of life. This includes seeking moderation in desires, avoiding excess, and embracing a simple and frugal lifestyle.