[Ep07] 'Being Different from Others' Creates 'Authenticity' — 'How to Touch Your Own Heart' Passed Down in Ikebana — | INNER SHIFT — Stories to Encounter Your 'Authenticity' —

Introduction

A time to calm your heart's breathing in days when you feel like you might be swept away by those around you.

I am Masa, the curator of 'INNER SHIFT — Stories to Encounter Your 'Authenticity' —'.

In our daily lives, without even realizing it—
don't you sometimes find yourself leaving your own feelings behind?

Work, family, social media—
The moments when you stop and wonder, 'What do I actually want to do?' while chasing the expectations and evaluations of others.

There is a story I would like you to listen to quietly at such times.

A story of artisans who live while cherishing their own 'axis' even as they inherit tradition.

Without being swept away by someone else's values,hints for living authenticallyare found there.

I would be happy if we could explore small triggers for you to live authentically together.

If there are any words that stayed with you or things you felt, please let me hear your voice in the comments or messages.

Ikebana Artist Kashu Yoshimura

This story is the second story about Ikebana artistKashu Yoshimura.

Kashu Yoshimura is someone who considers Ikebana not only as 'expression' but also as a 'tool' to deeply understand oneself.

That philosophy is not limited to the world of Ikebana, but also extends to the way of daily life.

Last time, with the theme of'Knowing Yourself', we touched upon the essence of Ikebana through Kashu-san's words and thought about'What we can do to face ourselves and find a form we can be satisfied with'.

And this time, we will delve into the depth of'teaching' and 'nurturing'as spoken by Kashu-san.

What kind of thoughts are contained in these words?

• When you lack confidence but want to follow your own heart.

• When you want to try something even if it differs from the opinions of those around you.

• When you want someone to give you a push, but you can't find that support.

When you face such moments, I hope this story becomes a hint for you to take that first step.

'Discrepancies' are the source of 'authenticity'

In teaching Ikebana, I believe the relationship between a 'master and disciple' is slightly different from that of a 'teacher and student'.

I believe a master is not someone who unilaterally teaches knowledge or correct answers, but a guide who helps the other person reach the 'answer' within themselves. I believe this to be true.

In Ikebana, there is what is called a 'basic flower form,' which is, so to speak, the initial'form'. Beginners first learn the basics of flower arrangement through that form.

However, the flowers and branches actually used all differ in shape and weight, one by one.
Therefore, even if you look at the same model, you cannot arrange them exactly the same way.

How the teacher handles that 'discrepancy' reflects their attitude.

For example, when a child arranges flowers during a lesson, the angle might be slightly different from the model.

At such times, I do not flatly say, 'That is wrong, so fix it.'

That is how I try to have them think for themselves first.

'I think it is better to do it like the model.'
—If they say that, then I say, 'Let's fix it.'

'I thought the flowers looked more beautiful at this angle.'
—If that is their reply, then I think it is fine as it is.

If there is a proper reason for it, then that is already a perfectly valid 'answer of their own.'

What is important is the experience of the person truly savoring that feeling, making their own judgment, and thinking about it.

In other words, it is also a form of trust that says, "It is okay for you to find the answer within yourself."
.

By accumulating these experiences, little by little, a "personal axis" that is not swayed solely by the evaluations of others will grow.

To feel "I think this way" or "I want to do this," to decide, and to take action.

I feel that those small, repeated actions become one's own beliefs and aesthetic sense.

And what is nurtured beyond that might be the "ability to respect others" and the "ability to think flexibly."

Because someone who has had the experience of "being helped to realize something" will surely be able to treat others in the same way.

Ikebana is not just a "place for expression," but also a "place for realization."

Through the act of arranging flowers, it is a time to touch your inner self rather than showing something to the outside world.

And I believe that within that, there lies the power to nurture people.

Miyabi's Reflections

"Discrepancies are individuality."
These words sank into my heart immediately.

Teaching tends to easily become "giving the correct answer." But what Kashu-san was doing was the exact opposite.

And while watching over that, she would gently support when necessary.

That way of being is exactly what a "master" should be.

I feel that nurturing "the sense to judge for yourself"in that way is connected to having your own axis and living "authentically."

There are truly so many standards and rules in the world, like "this is how it should be" or "it's better to do this."

But when a small feeling or sense of discomfort within you doesn't fit into that framework, don't you ever feel anxious, wondering, "Is that wrong?"

I myself have had moments where I felt that way many times.

Even when you consult someone because you think, 'I really want to try this,' the response you get is, 'Hmm, that might not be very safe,' or 'I think this other way is safer.'

I know they don't mean any harm, and I understand they are saying it out of concern.

But those kinds of words, when you are not yet confident yourself, make you unconsciously step on the brakes.

In that situation, listening to Kashu-san's story, 'It's okay to be off-beat' was a form of salvation.

Instead of aligning with someone else's correct answer, trust your own senses and get closer to 'the answer that hasn't been put into words yet' within you.

I feel like I can finally relax a little, knowing that it's okay to do that.

…That said.
It is more difficult than you think when you actually try to face it.

The more you think about it, the harder it becomes to see what your true feelings are, and sometimes you just end up going in circles.

What should you do?

I would like to think about some hints for that in the next part.

Perspectives that lead to your 'authenticity'

Ideally, you would have someone like Kashu-san, a presence that quietly supports and guides you without denying your 'authenticity'. But I think it is often not easy to find such a person.
So, what can you do now?

Then, what can you do right now?

Perhaps it is best to start by turning your attention to your own senses.

For example, before you decide on something or listen to someone else's opinion, stop for a moment and

ask yourself.

It is okay if you don't get an answer right away.
Even if you think, 'I don't know,' realizing that 'not knowing' is already the first step.

I think there will be times when you choose a decision that isn't what you really want to do.
But if you can realize, 'That was different from my true feelings,' that alone is enough for now.

Also, before consulting someone else, it might be good to try writing down your current feelings in a notebook.

Just by putting into words what you are worried about or what is bothering you, your mind can become clearer, and your feelings might feel a little lighter.

By putting it into writing, you may sometimes encounter your 'true voice' that is usually hard to see.

Furthermore, even if it is a small thing, trying to make a choice that is a little different from usual is also good practice, I think.

For example, taking a different route home or choosing a menu item you don't usually order.

Amidst such trivial changes, you might be able to notice reactions in your own senses, such as 'Oh, this might be more comfortable' or 'I feel a bit uneasy.'

Such 'awareness' might become practice in listening closely to your senses.

And if you felt anything while reading this article, writing that down might also be practice in listening closely to your own senses.

I would be happy if you could quietly let me know in the comments section if you'd like.

There is no need to force big changes or rush to get results.

Even if the results don't change immediately, just by changing the process of how you choose and think, the scenery you see should gradually change.

So, first, try slowly turning your attention to your own senses.

That might become a small step toward nurturing your 'authenticity'.

Summary

This time, through the words of Ikebana artist Kashu Yoshimura, we looked together at the theme of 'discrepancy is individuality'.

Rather than forcing a correct answer, quietly waiting for the 'answer' within that person to sprout.

I felt that Yoshimura-san's attitude, which he calls 'teaching', applies not only to Ikebana but to every aspect of life.

We tend to try too hard to 'be correct', but I feel that the seeds of our own authenticity are actually hidden within that 'slight discrepancy'.

And in this day and age, there are not many people like Yoshimura-san who quietly support someone's 'authenticity' and watch over them with belief
.

However, Kashu also said this.

She said.

Thinking about it again, I have had such experiences too.
Parents and teachers who watched over me without saying a word when I was a child or a student.
Friends who gently pushed me forward, saying, 'I think that's good.'

They accepted my feelings of misalignment and hesitation, which I couldn't put into words well, without denying them.

The sense of security and the warm memories from those times still remain with me today.

Therefore, if we who have encountered this story now continue to gain experience with the perspective that 'misalignment is individuality', we will surely be able to become the ones who believe in and watch over the 'authenticity' within someone else.

In that way, passing on what we have received to someone else.

I hope we can create a society where we nurture our own authenticity together through that small chain.

I would be happy if this story became a hint for you to find your own 'authenticity'.

Please let me know in the comments about your realizations from this article or what you felt when you tried putting it into practice.
Likes❤️ and follows are also very welcome.

—

See you next time with a new story.
Next time, you will surely encounter a 'way of life' that will stir your heart.

Next Episode Preview

Next time, I will deliver the second story of sword polisher Takashi Sasaki.

The reason why Sasaki insists on 'live-in apprentices' to train top-class sword polishers.
It may sound like a distant story at first glance, but that is not the case at all.

Hidden there might be a hint for nurturing your 'authenticity' through the people you want to cherish.

Request

Thank you for reading until the end.
I have a request for you who have read this far.

▷ Please cooperate with my 'repayment of kindness'

And, if possible, I would be very happy if you could leave a comment.

Kashu-san is someone who listens to anyone's story, no matter what it is.
As the head of the school, she embodies the spirit of Ikebana and continues to use trial and error even now for the development of Ikebana culture.

Your comments will become a light that illuminates the charm of Ikebana from a different angle.

The traditional philosophy that Kashu-san has inherited is proof that it is needed in this day and age—I want to deliver your comments as such.

Even just a simple 'that was good' is enough. Please cooperate with my 'repayment of kindness'.