The Way of Nagomi

1. Nagomi: The Japanese Art of Finding Balance in Life

Nagomi is all about the blend and balance of different factors, so I have tried to mirror the very concept of nagomi in my description of it in this book.

Essence of nagomi. Nagomi is a Japanese concept that embodies balance, comfort, and calm of the heart and mind. It represents a state of harmony between various elements in life, including one's relationship with the environment, communication with others, and inner peace. The philosophy of nagomi encourages finding equilibrium in all aspects of life, from food and relationships to creativity and nature.

Applications in daily life:

• Relationships: Maintaining harmony even when disagreeing
• Learning: Staying true to oneself while acquiring new knowledge
• Activities: Finding peace in whatever you're doing
• Problem-solving: Mixing unlikely components to strike a balance
• Cultural understanding: Gaining insight into Japanese philosophy

2. Embrace the Spirit of Kounaichoumi in Food and Relationships

Kounaichoumi (cooking in the mouth), is a wonderfully physical embodiment of nagomi.

Kounaichoumi in food. This concept refers to the practice of mixing different flavors in one's mouth to create a harmonious taste experience. It reflects the Japanese approach to cuisine, where various ingredients are combined to achieve a balanced and satisfying meal. The principle of kounaichoumi extends beyond food to relationships and social interactions.

Applications of kounaichoumi:

• Food: Combining different dishes with rice for optimal flavor
• Bento boxes: Arranging various items to complement each other
• Relationships: Blending different personalities and opinions
• Communication: Mixing formal and informal language appropriately
• Problem-solving: Combining diverse ideas to find innovative solutions

3. Cultivate Self-Acceptance and Lifelong Learning

Learning is the air the human brain breathes.

Self-acceptance and growth. The nagomi of self involves finding balance between self-acceptance and continuous improvement. This approach encourages individuals to embrace their strengths and weaknesses while remaining open to learning and personal development. The Japanese concept of "do" emphasizes that learning is not just about acquiring information but becoming a better person.

Key aspects of nagomi in self-development:

• Self-esteem: Balancing confidence with humility
• Forgiveness: Letting go of resentment towards oneself and others
• Curiosity: Maintaining a lifelong desire to learn and grow
• Sodoku: Reading classic texts aloud to stimulate curiosity
• Flexibility: Adapting to changes while staying true to oneself

4. Practice Harahachibu for Health and Well-being

Eating with the ethos of harahachibu is, in a nutshell, establishing nagomi with your appetite, and it could be one of the most effective health habits that you can acquire in your life.

Harahachibu for health. This Japanese concept advises stopping eating when you feel 80% full. It promotes mindful eating and helps prevent overeating. The principle of harahachibu extends beyond food to other aspects of health and well-being, encouraging moderation and balance in all areas of life.

Applying harahachibu to health:

• Diet: Eating a variety of foods in moderation
• Exercise: Balancing physical activity with rest
• Mental health: Practicing mindfulness and stress management
• Sleep: Ensuring adequate rest without oversleeping
• Work-life balance: Allocating time for work, leisure, and relationships

5. Nurture Creativity Through Kawaii and Anonymity

Kawaii is the uniquely Japanese way of blurring boundaries and establishing a nagomi between high and low cultures, male and female, the powerful and powerless, and the young and the old.

Creativity through kawaii. The concept of kawaii (cuteness) in Japanese culture encourages creativity by blurring boundaries between different aspects of life. It allows for the expression of individuality without confrontation, fostering a harmonious environment for creative exploration. Additionally, the Japanese tradition of anonymity in creative works promotes freedom of expression without ego interference.

Fostering creativity:

• Embrace kawaii: Appreciate cuteness in unexpected places
• Practice anonymity: Create without concern for personal recognition
• Blur boundaries: Mix high and low culture in creative works
• Stay playful: Maintain a childlike curiosity and enthusiasm
• Collaborate: Work with others to combine diverse ideas

6. Find Harmony in the Impermanence of Life

The Japanese approach to staying forever young is not in rejecting change but embracing it as a natural occurrence in this floating world.

Embracing impermanence. The Japanese philosophy of life recognizes that change is the only constant. This perspective encourages acceptance of life's transient nature and finding beauty in impermanence. The concept of tokowaka (forever young) emphasizes the importance of embracing change to maintain vitality throughout life.

Living with impermanence:

• Appreciate ephemeral beauty: Enjoy fleeting moments like cherry blossoms
• Practice tokowaka: Stay youthful by adapting to changes
• Accept life's cycles: Find peace in the natural progression of life and death
• Cultivate resilience: Develop the ability to bounce back from changes
• Create lasting traditions: Balance change with enduring cultural practices

7. Apply Nagomi to Business, Politics, and Society

Shibusawa used to claim that the purpose of a private company was not to maximize profits, but to strike a balance between well-being and profit not only for the capitalists, but for the employees, customers, and society at large.

Nagomi in societal structures. Applying the principle of nagomi to business, politics, and society involves seeking balance and harmony between various stakeholders and interests. This approach emphasizes long-term sustainability over short-term gains and promotes cooperation over competition.

Implementing nagomi in society:

• Business: Balance profit with social responsibility
• Politics: Seek compromise and collaboration between parties
• Education: Combine traditional wisdom with modern knowledge
• Social issues: Address problems with a holistic, balanced approach
• International relations: Promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding

8. Connect with Nature Through Kintsugi and Ikebana

Ikebana flower arrangement is a form of prayer for all living things.

Harmony with nature. Japanese traditions like kintsugi (repairing broken pottery with gold) and ikebana (flower arranging) demonstrate a deep respect for nature and the environment. These practices encourage finding beauty in imperfection and celebrating the inherent value of all living things.

Connecting with nature:

• Practice kintsugi: Embrace imperfections in objects and life
• Arrange ikebana: Create balanced compositions with natural elements
• Engage in shinrin-yoku (forest bathing): Immerse yourself in nature
• Cultivate mindfulness: Pay attention to the natural world around you
• Adopt sustainable practices: Live in harmony with the environment

Last updated: August 9, 2024