The Day I Learned the True Meaning of "It's Okay." Encounters and Gratitude Connected by a Giving Heart
On a day of heavy rain, in the quiet moments, I felt once again the importance of a giving heart and continuing to learn.
Encounters with new friends, the joy of continuing to learn from Yuji Akaba, and the true meaning of "It's okay" taught to me by the wisdom of Buddhism.
People can change at any age—I am writing about a day that made me feel that kind of hope.
The heavy rain that hit Kyoto and the terror of nature
Yesterday in Kyoto, heavy rain continued to fall due to the influence of a typhoon.
Was everyone where you live okay?
I hope there was no damage.
Around me, I heard that two friends had their homes and workplaces flooded above the floor level.
Hearing that, I felt once again the terror of the ferocity of nature.
I hope that those who were affected will be able to return to their peaceful daily lives as soon as possible.
A day spent slowly is also necessary for the heart
I spent all day at home yesterday.
I wrote my blog, cleaned my room, studied French, read books, cooked, and even took a nap.
Outside, the rain was heavy, but inside the house, a quiet and peaceful time was flowing.
I didn't do anything particularly special.
Even so, I feel it was a very fulfilling day.
It is important not just to keep running busily, but also to stop sometimes and take time to settle your heart.
Grateful for meeting new friends
Yesterday, there was another very happy event.
Safe Space HokkoriTwo new people joined the Clubhouse room that we hold every Friday at 7:30 PM.
The regular members are all truly kind and warm-hearted people, and the two who joined us were also very gentle and wonderful individuals.
Yesterday, we all did three"Zero-Second Thinking memo writing"sessions, and then shared our respective insights.
"I didn't realize it could clear my head this much."
"I feel so much lighter."
Hearing comments like that made me very happy.
Yuji Akabadevised theZero-Second Thinking memo writing.
By continuing this memo writing, my life has truly changed 180 degrees.
It has become much easier to live than before, and I have come to feel happy every single day.
That is precisely why I am so happy to be able to continue this wonderful habit with everyone.
I look forward to enjoying memo writing with everyone again next week.
Connections brought by a heart of giving
There was even more happy news.
I asked the boy who brewed delicious coffee at the Daisenji Temple event the other day, and his mother, if they could also provide coffee for theAugust 9th Yuji Akaba Seminar
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They kindly accepted, saying, "We would love to do it."
With the approval of the venue and Mr. Akaba, we were able to officially request their services.
The coffee he brewed so carefully was truly delicious, and it was as if his personality was reflected in the taste.
I am very much looking forward to working together again.
And even your mother signed up for the seminar.
At first, it was just a spirit of giving, thinking, "I hope I can create an opportunity for a challenge."
I wasn't thinking about any rewards or anything like that.
But I am truly happy that the number of people who resonate with that sentiment is gradually increasing.
As Mr. Akaba says,
"Give, give, give and give"
I want to continue to cherish these words.
Meeting Yuji Akaba changed my life
Today was also the day for Mr. Akaba's Clubhouse"Anything Consultation Cafe".
This time, too, I was able to speak directly with Mr. Akaba and received many lessons and pieces of advice.
This time is irreplaceable to me.
Meeting Mr. Akaba changed my life itself.
I have read many of Mr. Akaba's books and learned a great deal.
And it was also Mr. Akaba who first taught me the term"attachment disorder".
Knowing that I had an attachment disorder, I read many of the books he recommended.
Little by little, little by little.
I felt my emotional wounds healing, truly as if peeling off one thin layer of skin at a time.
I, who was onceon the side of being supported, am now, through the activities ofSafe Space Hokkori, which is"building a safe base for the heart", nowstanding on the side of supporting others.
I am the one most surprised by that change.
The true meaning of "Daijoubu"
I am currently reading Shunmyo Masuno's 'Daily Words to Learn the Wisdom of Buddhism'
.
It is very easy to read, and I am enjoying reading it a little bit every day.
In it, I learned the meaning of the word "Daijoubu" for the first time. In Sanskrit, "Daijoubu" is
"Mahapurusha". "Maha" means "great", and "purusha" means "human". In other words, it means "a great person". It is said that this later evolved to mean "Bodhisattva".
It is said that Bodhisattvas teach and guide us so that we can walk the path of truth.
So, what is the path of truth?
Shunmyo Masuno writes the following:
"It means living by discerning what is truly important to you, without being obsessed with profit, loss, or honor. We tend to act based on criteria like 'Which path is more profitable for me?' or 'What should I do to be praised and recognized by others?' However, if we do that, peaceful days will never come. If you realize what you truly cherish from the heart, you can become free from comparisons with others and from greed. At that moment, you are freed from mental pressure and become 'Daijoubu' (okay), and eventually, you can become a compassionate and great person like a Bodhisattva."
"Daijoubu"—I did not know that this word, which we use so casually, had such a deep meaning.
I have always had a very strong desire to be recognized and praised by others.
I think that is also an effect of attachment disorder.
But what I should really aim for is not profit, loss, or evaluation, but living by cherishing what I want to cherish.
And I felt once again that it is to become a person who can cast aside self-interest and act naturally for the sake of others.
A life of continuous learning is so much fun
Even after living for 56 years, there are still so many things I do not know.
That is precisely why reading books, meeting people, and continuing to learn is truly enjoyable.
"What kind of people will I meet from here on?"
"What kind of inspiration will I be able to give, and what kind will I receive?"
Thinking about that makes my heart race with excitement.
The time I spend learning, thinking, and writing about what I feel on my blog is also helping me grow little by little.
To everyone who always reads my posts,
to everyone who supports me,
thank you so much.
It is only because of your support that I can keep looking forward and moving ahead.
Give, give, give and give.
With these words in my heart, I want to be someone who can light a small flame in people's hearts.
And, aiming for a way of life where I can truly say "It's okay," I will continue to do my best, one step at a time.
Thank you so much for reading until the end.