Ichigo Ichie - cherish each moment

“Magical coincidences are about attention to moments, not luck.”

Or, to quote Rage Against The Machine:

“What better place than here,

What better time than now?”

Readers of the Rise&Bloom blog will know that I am a huge fan of the lifestyles and customs that are central to traditional Japanese life. Ichigo ichie is a lovely example of a Japanese concept that we can all try to use to enhance our lives.

It translates as “one time, one meeting,” or “one encounter, one lifetime.” It’s essentially the idea that each moment in time is unique and exists in its own space and time - it is an irreplaceable moment. 

In our fast-paced, stressful lives, it is all too easy to feel like the days, weeks, even months are flying by at break-neck speed. How many times have you thought to yourself, or heard people say, “Where has the year gone?”, or “I can’t believe we’re heading towards Christmas!” There’s an old saying - “Stop and smell the roses,” and ichigo ichie really taps into this idea.

I read a quote recently that said “We didn’t know we were making memories. We just thought we were having fun.” I think, for me, the joy of incorporating ichigo ichie into our lives is that it brings an increased awareness that we are constantly making memories. And, in turn,  that awareness also creates an appreciation of a moment in time and space that will never be replicated.

So, as much as I can, I try to consciously soak up and cherish these precious and fleeting moments. Our grandchildren giggling and running around the garden; our dog leaning on me and wanting a hug; spending precious time with my husband, ‘busy doing nothing’ together; talking on the phone with a cherished friend, and laughing like we’re back in our twenties.

But it’s the little things too: my acers swaying in the garden; a butterfly fluttering around; the smile or “Morning!” from a stranger as they pass by; the smell of my favourite incense wafting through the house…..the list goes on and on.

So open your heart and your mind to ichigo ichie. Our lives are fleeting, but full of moments to treasure.

At Rise&Bloom, you can explore with us tools and techniques to help you to live more in the present. And in doing so, bring a greater sense of peace and well being into your life. 

Love

Zoë

Rise&Bloom