The Blog

I was scrolling through my social media feed the other day, lost in a sea of slop, when I stumbled upon a post titled “Japanese Wisdom.” It caught my eye not just for its title, but for the profound simplicity of its message. It read:

At first glance, these phrases may seem straightforward, but as I mulled over them during my doomscrolling break, I realised how deeply resonant they are within the context of our busy, often chaotic lives. Today, let’s take a casual stroll through these snippets of wisdom, unpacking their meanings and implications while exploring how they can guide us in living more intentionally.

If It’s Not Yours, Don’t Take It

This first principle is a poignant reminder of respecting boundaries, both personal and communal. In a world where it’s all too easy to take what isn’t ours, whether that means material possessions, ideas, or even emotional bandwidth, this wisdom calls for a sense of accountability and integrity.

The Material Aspect

In terms of material possessions, we live in a consumer driven society that often blurs the lines between what is necessary and what is simply desired. The temptation to grab that shiny new gadget or to envy our neighbor’s new car is real. Yet, this part of the wisdom teaches us to value what we have and to respect the ownership of others.

Taking physical possessions that do not belong to us can create harm, distrust, and a host of negative emotions. It doesn’t just affect the victim; it can also lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety in the taker. Recognising what is personally ours can cultivate appreciation and gratitude, creating a profound sense of well being.

Ideas and Intellectual Property

This wisdom also applies to our lives as creators. In an age of constant information sharing, it’s easy to cross ethical lines regarding ideas and creativity. If you’re a writer, musician, or artist, your work is a product of your unique perspective and experiences. Borrowing heavily from someone else’s ideas without credit can lead to ethical dilemmas and, in some cases, plagiarism.

Taking ownership of our ideas, while also giving proper credit to those who inspire us, fosters a sense of authenticity. It’s essential to honour others’ intellectual property while allowing ourselves the freedom to create.

Relationship Boundaries

On a personal level, this principle extends to our relationships as well. We must respect the emotional boundaries of others, thus avoiding taking more than what’s given freely. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and consent. When we take more than our share, be it time, attention, or emotional energy, we risk damaging those connections.

If It’s Not Right, Don’t Do It

Next up is the call to act only when the action feels right and just. This concept of “rightness” is deeply rooted in our moral and ethical beliefs, prompting us to evaluate our choices through a critical lens.

Defining Rightness

“Right” is subjective, heavily influenced by our values and experiences. What one person deems right may differ dramatically from another’s perspective. Hence, this principle encourages us to engage with our moral compass actively. When faced with a decision, we should take a pause and reflect: Does this align with my values? Am I acting in a way that is just and fair?

Consequences of Wrong Actions

Acting in ways that don’t feel right can lead to a slew of negative consequences. It could affect our mental health, social circles, and overall life satisfaction. For instance, going along with the crowd when we don’t agree can result in feelings of regret and diminish our self esteem. By learning to assess the rightness of our actions, we pave the way toward a more authentic life, embracing choices that resonate with us.

Mindfulness in Decision Making

Being mindful in our actions takes practice. It involves asking ourselves difficult questions and sometimes making hard choices. However, the reward is worth the struggle. Instead of looking back in regret, we can feel empowered knowing we acted in accordance with our values.

If It’s Not True, Don’t Say It

In the age of social media, where everyone has a platform to share their thoughts, this piece of wisdom holds special significance. Falsehoods can spread like wildfire, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and greater societal issues.

The Importance of Truthfulness

This principle invites us to be vigilant in our communication. When we speak, are we bringing truth to the table? This doesn’t just apply to blatant lies. It also encompasses exaggerations, half truths, and misinformation. In our effort to share with others, we shouldn’t sacrifice the accuracy of our statements for the sake of engagement or popularity.

The Impact of Words

Words have power, they can inspire, uplift, and build connections, but they can also harm and deceive. By committing ourselves to speak only what is true, we contribute to a culture of understanding and respect. This principle applies not just to what we say about others, but also the narratives we create around our own experiences.

Navigating the Information Overload

In our current climate of information overload, being discerning about the truth has never been more critical. Learning to source and verify information before sharing it is an act of integrity that benefits us all. It becomes essential to develop our critical thinking skills, questioning the source and context of information before spreading it further.

If You Don’t Know, Be Quiet

Finally, there’s wisdom in knowing when to remain silent. There’s tremendous pressure in our fast paced world to always have an opinion or a response immediately, but this statement encourages us to value quietness and contemplation.

Embracing Humility

Recognising the limits of our knowledge is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. In many situations, opting to listen rather than contribute may lead to deeper understanding. Embracing humility allows us to learn from others’ insights, experiences, and expertise.

The Value of Listening

The act of listening can be profoundly impactful. It fosters better communication, builds deeper connections, and helps us create a more empathetic understanding of the world around us. By resisting the urge to fill silence with our vocalised thoughts, we open up space for others to share and teach.

Cultivating a Culture of Patience

Lastly, allowing ourselves to sit in silence also cultivates a culture of patience. In a rush to provide answers or insights, we often miss the chance to reflect on what is truly going on. Taking the time to digest experiences ultimately leads to more thoughtful and genuine responses.

Bringing It All Together

In conclusion, the wisdom encapsulated in “If it’s not yours, don’t take it. If it’s not right, don’t do it. If it’s not true, don’t say it. If you don’t know, be quiet.” offers us a timeless framework for leading a more mindful life. The beauty lies in its simplicity, each statement encourages us to reflect inwardly and evaluate our actions, decisions, and words.

As we navigate an increasingly complex world, these principles become even more relevant. They challenge us to act ethically, communicate truthfully, and embrace humility. By adopting these guidelines, we can foster more meaningful relationships, cultivate inner peace, and contribute to a more understanding and compassionate society.

So, next time you find yourself getting swept up in the digital chaos of doomscrolling, consider revisiting this Japanese wisdom. Let it guide your interactions, decisions, and mindset, and you might discover a richer, more purposeful existence.