Do you love living in the present, forgetting about your past, and not anticipating too much about the future?
I would love to share the importance of living in the present and enjoying each moment that life brings us.
The Japanese concept of ichi-go ichi-e says, “This moment exists only now and won’t come again.” It is mentioned in the international best-seller “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.”
Ichi-go ichi-e is often translated as “one moment, one meeting,” and it is a philosophy that encourages individuals to appreciate each moment as it is and to cherish each encounter as though it may be the last.
The phrase is commonly used in the context of tea-serving ceremonies, but its application extends far beyond that.
It’s about recognizing that every moment is unique and that we should make the most of it while we can. I learned about this concept when I read the book ‘Ikigai,’ and I learned about it more during one of my visits to Expo 2020 Dubai last year.
There, I met a charismatic Japanese leader, who was talking about it. I was really impressed by the way she explained it in such a simple way. She is in her 60s and has learned many things from her experience. I was sitting and listening to her as if I were a kid.
She taught me that this meeting was unique and would never happen again. It was a reminder to be fully present and appreciate the fleeting nature of life. Though there was music and many activities buzzing around, she taught me to be fully present in this very conversation. After the Expo, she would be going back to her country and enjoy living in Japan. She told me that after this meeting, we may or may not meet again, but the one thing we can do is enjoy that moment.
She took out some attractive things from her bag, her collection of handcrafted pottery, explaining how each piece was made by her or her husband. While she was showing me, she said ‘wabi-sabi,’ the philosophy of finding beauty in the imperfections of life. It refers to the concept of time and the idea that every passing moment is unique and can never be repeated in exactly the same way again.
Time is a continuous and ever-flowing process, and every moment that passes is distinct and irreplaceable. Once a moment has passed, it becomes a part of the past and can never be revisited or relived in exactly the same way. Even if we try to recreate a moment, it will never be exactly the same as the original.
“Ichi-go ichi-e” emphasizes the importance of cherishing and making the most of each moment, as it is unique and will never be repeated in exactly the same way. In the context of tea ceremonies, it encourages participants to appreciate the beauty of the tea, the atmosphere of the room, and the company of the other guests, as this particular gathering will never happen again.
Therefore, it is essential to appreciate and make the most of each moment that we have, as it will never come again in exactly the same way. It is important to live in the present, enjoy the moment, and make the most of the time we have, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
I learned the power of ‘now’ during my leadership journey with Farookh Sensei. It reminds us that each moment is unique and that we should cherish each encounter as though it may be the last. It’s a concept that has profoundly impacted my life, and I hope it inspires others to live fully and appreciate the beauty of life.
Call to Action:
1. How can you incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to help you stay present and focused on the present moment?
2. What steps can you take to let go of the past and stop worrying about the future to fully enjoy and appreciate the present moment?
3. What are some ways you can remind yourself to be fully present and appreciate the uniqueness of each moment throughout the day, especially during times of stress or distraction?