Book Essay No. 51: The Place Only Gentle People Reach by Shunmyo Masuno
Hello 😊 This is my first Book Essay in three weeks. It's my usual weekend typing time 🍀 I've realized that writing is one of my little joys.
After seeing a post of cloud photos on LinkedIn, I looked up at the sky yesterday. It was a beautiful summer sky. I felt that perhaps I have finally made it through the most difficult period since saying goodbye to my mother.
Supported by the kindness of my family, colleagues, business associates, and the people and friends I connect with on LinkedIn, I am writing this with a calm heart.
Along with the sound of my typing, feelings of gratitude toward all of you are overflowing 💗
Today's book is another one by Mr. Masuno: "The Place Only Gentle People Reach." Please let me share what I learned from Chapter 1 and Chapter 5.
Chapter 1: Mindset for Becoming a Gentle Person
・Gentleness is the result of living life in your own way.
Aim to live each day to the fullest. Be yourself just as you are.
・Gentleness does not mean suppressing your emotions.
It is important to have the flexibility of bamboo, which bends but returns to its original shape, rather than being trapped by emotions.
・Develop your strengths and honestly acknowledge your weaknesses.
・Know what is enough and have a sense of gratitude for everything.
・Gentleness is something that naturally exudes as a result of mastering your own way of living.
I will introduce four of the ten Zen phrases introduced in Chapter 5.
「Kekka Shizen Sei (Results come naturally)」
If you do your best in what you can do, the results will follow.
「Gyo-o-za-ga (Walking, standing, sitting, lying down)」
There is learning in daily life; living is a form of training, and we continue to grow as long as we live.
「Satori Mu Ko-o (Enlightenment has no likes or dislikes)」
A state of enlightenment in human relationships. When you accept things as they are, likes and dislikes disappear.
「Shinchi Konnichi Ji (Deeply know the matters of today)」
It is important to focus on what is right in front of you and give it your all.
I happened to start reading several of Mr. Masuno's books shortly before my mother passed away. Although I am not a practitioner of Zen Buddhism, I found great salvation in them this time.
I think the sense of loss will continue for a while, but I believe that living each day positively and happily with my children is a way to honor my mother's memory.
Yesterday, for the first time in a while, I stood in the kitchen and made summer vegetable curry. My son made the marinated eggs 💕 I'll say it myself, but it was delicious 🤭
Be flexible like bamboo. If anyone is feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, please, by all means, look up at the sky.
I'm going to tidy up my books now and then immerse myself in reading. Have a wonderful summer vacation 😊