Ichigo Ichie: Japanese philosophy to enjoy the moment

Ichigo Ichie translates as “What is happening now will never be repeated again.” ¿Do you think about it often? The transience of time is such that many times, we are not aware of it. Life escapes us like the sand on the beach that is blown away by the wind or that falls from our hands. Everything is rush, pressure and we have become somewhat blind when it comes to appreciating the moment.

People are complicated, it’s true. Perhaps, for this reason, Japanese culture and philosophy draws our attention so much, so oriented to simplifying things, to providing them with an order and an elemental simplicity with which to harmonize existence. It never hurts, therefore, to learn new concepts rooted in its traditional legacy.

Thus, not long ago we became familiar with ikigai, which invited us to have a vital purpose, a route plan or a reason for being. Now, it is introduced from the Far East a concept that draws directly from tea ceremonies. To do this, we must visualize a classic wooden construction in the middle of the forest and ourselves being participants in this ritual.

Calm, serenity, attention focused on the present moment, senses aimed at capturing every sensation, every flavor and every emotion… What was experienced in those ceremonies had to be extrapolated to any moment in life. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Ichigo Ichie: appreciate the present opportunity

In many of the traditional tea rooms in Japan there is usually a table with a very specific message: Ichigo-Ichie. Those who read it already know that it has several meanings: “what is happening now will never be repeated” or “once, an opportunity.” It should be noted that this term has nothing to do with our classic Carpe Diem.

In it ichigo-ichie We do not seek to take advantage of the present as if there were no tomorrow. What it proposes is a more serene and focused vision, one where we do not seek exclusive enjoyment, delight or pleasure. It has to do with awakening our attention span, all our senses and capturing what is happening. Once we feel that moment, we have to value it and understand that that imprint of time, that moment will not be repeated.

Let’s discover the principles that govern this philosophy.

Special moments are created

We often tell ourselves that special moments come and go, that it is chance that weaves them together. It’s a mistake. We must keep in mind that we live in a hurried present, full of tensions, worries and pending tasks. Special moments do not arise if we do not promote them.

In Japan, the tea ritual is more than just that time when family or friends get together to drink that ancient drink. It is a ceremony that is scheduled and in which one comes mentally aware of its significance. It is a time to reunite with loved ones, it is a fragment of life that must be appreciated as it deserves.

Greet and say goodbye saying Ichigo Ichie

In order to be aware that every moment with our loved ones happens once in a lifetime, The Japanese often use the expression ichigo ichie to greet and say goodbye. A hello and goodbye transmuted into this beautiful concept gives greater significance to that unique and unrepeatable nature that we are experiencing.

All possibilities lie in the present

Yesterday no longer exists, tomorrow is neither perceptible nor healthy to anticipate in our minds. What really matters is what we feel here and now, it is in the present where all possibilities open up.. However, the ichigo ichie It reminds us that we will only see them if all our senses are connected to what is happening.

In the forest tea ritual, guests strive to place all their attention on each sensation, in every detail that surrounds them: the sound of the wind, the crackling of the trees, the smell of the wood of that tea house, the warmth of the glasses still warm when holding them in their hands, the smile of the companions… Every detail it matters.

If you don’t like what’s around you, change it.

This concept of Japanese wisdom reminds us that “What is happening now will never be repeated.” Now… what happens if what surrounds me doesn’t make me happy? He ichigo ichie He tells us clearly: You have to enjoy the moment, therefore, if you don’t like what you have you should change it.

We are all active agents of our destiny and it is precisely in the here and now where all opportunities open up. Look at what surrounds you, generate changes, look for other paths and then delight in what you have achieved.

Look for the connections

The accelerated mind does not see coincidences and does not connect with its environment. The attentive mind, which is nourished by ichigo ichie, is capable of detecting those aspects that are in tune with one’s own personalitywith your own passions, desires, emotions, thoughts… Sometimes, traveling on the bus you can delight in aspects of your city that you find inspiring.

Sometimes, in the middle of an avenue full of people, you come across someone who, for whatever reason, attracts you and catches your attention. The present moment is unique, it is a temporary photograph that will never be repeated again. We have to train our focus to delight in those moments, to know that there are things that only have one chance.

Let’s take advantage of them.

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