By Marilyn Halpern, LSW, MSW ~
Bunka No Hi is a national holiday in Japan celebrating Japanese culture. It is held in November every year and each region has its own unique cultural celebration. Denver Takayama Sister Cities will be celebrating Bunka No Hi with performances and presentations by local and national experts. The History Colorado Center will host the Bunka No Hi celebration on Saturday, November 5, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. For more information visit: www.historycolorado.org
November is the perfect month to consider the Japanese concept of ichigo ichie. This Japanese proverb can be translated as, “in this moment, an opportunity” and also as “only once, a meeting.” Each moment is a convergence of time, energy and thought which creates a unique opportunity that will never be repeated in the same way again. Ichigo ichie originated with the Japanese Tea ceremony. If we find ourselves living a rushed, pressured existence, the joy and wonder of our days could be lost forever.
The cultivation and practice of ichigo ichie can allow us to lead a more fulfilled life without feeling weighed down by the past or anxious about the future. Each encounter of our life can be a practice of awareness and appreciation. Ichigo ichie is one meeting, in one lifetime. Thus, our lives are a collection of unique experiences that can never be exactly replicated again. Even our routine activities, such as having our morning tea or coffee, can be done in a meaningful way.
Here are 5 simple concepts to encourage ichigo ichie:
Happy Bunka No Hi and Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the vitality of each moment and the treasure of this day. To learn more about this powerful concept, check out “The Book of Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Making the Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way” by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.
Marilyn Halpern is the founder and executive director of Aspen Care Services. This locally owned business provides medical power of attorney, care management and professional guardianship services in the Denver Metro area. For more information visit – www.aspencareservices.com.
Photo credit: Ricky Davis