“Ichigo Ichie”
-a saying translated to express the understanding of the importance of living in the moment
“This time only.”
“Once, a meeting” and also as
“In this moment, an opportunity.”
“…each meeting, everything we experience, is a unique treasure that will never be repeated in the same way again. So if we let it slip away without enjoying it, the moment will be lost forever. ”
-Hector Gracia and Francesc Miralles
JAPANESE SAYING
There is a Japanese saying that has captured my attention, “Ichigo Ichie”. I was intrigued as I heard it and said it out loud. If I were to translate it from the hearing of it I would say, “pay attention”. I decided to do some research and learn about this clever saying. The basics of what I have discovered are: don’t postpone special moments – they are a once in a lifetime opportunity; live every day as it is going to only happen once – unrepeatable; slow down and be mindful of the moments, there are no coincidences – keep track of the signs they are the golden thread of your reality; celebrate life – every day can be an experience; and, be a hunter and gatherer of special moments.
There is an opportunity for something new to emerge from you. If you do not like the results you are currently experiencing in your life, you have the opportunity many times over to reinvent yourself to live life fully at this moment – it will not come again. Introduce yourself to new people, places, and things. Learn new skills. Become who you see yourself to be. Be your extraordinary.
Imagine if we each greeted and talked to one another, treating it as “this time only” or “unrepeatable”, how would you express yourself or what would you do? In what ways, could we acknowledge and appreciate the people around us – not what they do for us – instead, for who they are and how they show up in this world?
What will you do today to make it special?
Ichigo Ichie. Pay attention for this moment will not come again.
– EL (thanks for the reminder)
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