Skip to main content

Embracing a new philosophy in 2025!


The first sunrise of 2025, "Hatsuhinode" is believed to bring good luck in Japan. 


This year, I've fully embraced the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi. I am letting go of the idea of waiting for perfection and embracing the imperfections of my life as perfectly-imperfect.  

 This year, I am fully embracing my life where it is now, and not waiting for “when.” It is a liberating feeling and I am excited about the possibilities. I have always been a little unpredictable and a little more of a free spirit, so Wabi Sabi seems fitting.

In Japan, I've learned a lot about their way of life. The peace and tranquility here are hard to ignore. It's the people and their lifestyle that make it special. It makes sense that they have a term like Wabi Sabi. It describes their unique state of being. 

The idea of Empty Nest Ikigai came to me when I said goodbye to my youngest daughter at Haneda airport and she left for college in August 2024. I secretly started writing and planning, waiting for the courage to do it. I quickly learned that it wasn't just about the writing. It's been a deep learning curve for me.  

Our last day in Tokyo before she flew to NYC, August 2024. 

At first I wanted to have at least ten post ready to go, I wanted book reviews and my travel writings, bla-bla-bla the list goes on. The more I read, the less I wrote, the more I wrote, the less I read. And then I just felt overwhelmed, a little defeated. I finally decided I did not want to go into the new year without posting something. So I just did it! Wabi Sabi!  

When I shared my blog with friends and family, I chose the right time. It wasn't about having everything perfect. Sharing my journey is how I will learn and grow. Its actually how I will find my ikigai. It will not come at once, I am finding my way to my purpose, there is no final destination. The purpose of Empty Nest Ikigai was to share the journey. So here I am, sharing as I go.  

I think most of our lives, we wait for the perfect moment. But waiting can be indefinite. We wait for when our kids are grown, to make more money, for retirement, the list goes on. Some people never get to experience life fully because they are still waiting. Unfortunately some people die waiting. 

At fifty-six I have learned to let go. I have let go of caring what others will think, or for things to be perfect, I understand that there is so much more to life than to be waiting around. Freedom from others' opinions has made life richer. Life is more than waiting for something to happen. 

I think before I understood Wabi Sabi, I may have already been a little in tune with the essence of it. Perfect example was letting go of things like dying my hair. It made me feel more natural and freed up time and energy that I quickly found ways to fill. The bonus of course,was it saved me money which opened up new travel opportunities. 

So, beginning in 2025, I am embracing Wabi Sabi, just as I am-Perfectly Imperfect! 

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve in Japan, 2024 shortly after I pressed "publish!"


Book Recommendation:

  Living Wabi-Sabi: The True Beauty of Your Life by Taro Gold

It is a little book full of Obas-san’s (grandmother) teachings.  

Living Wabi Sabi makes us more aware and accepting. It shows us that life's imperfections are what make it beautiful. As we explore Wabi Sabi, we learn to appreciate the imperfect and find peace.

Key Takeaways

  1. Wabi Sabi is a Japanese philosophy that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence
  2. Embracing Wabi Sabi can help us cultivate mindfulness and break free from perfectionism
  3. Wabi Sabi encourages us to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments and imperfections
  4. By embracing imperfection, we can find true beauty and peace
  5. Wabi Sabi is a journey that helps us develop a greater sense of awareness and acceptance
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding My Ikigai: Crafting a New Chapter in Mexico

"As we walk into the future with purpose, our ikigai will reveal itself. "  The Dream That Keeps Growing For as long as I can remember, I’ve had my eye on something just beyond the horizon — something that combines all the things I love into a new and meaningful chapter. I’ve always believed that retirement doesn’t mean the end of making a difference — just the start of doing it in a new way. And although I have a few years to go, I am thinking ahead.  This was my first year as an Empty Nester, and as my blog suggested when I started writing, I have been on the search for the next chapter, my Ikigai. I started out unsure of what the future would hold for me, or how I would navigate these new uncharted waters. For the past 26 years my principal role has been Mom first, teacher second, and always a wanderlust at heart.  Here’s what I know for sure: I am retiring in Mexico. I want to continue to make a difference. I love traveling, art, and crafting. I thrive when brin...
2 comments
Read more

About Me

 My name is Lorena, and I am an American teacher living in Japan, I moved here in 2016 with my daughters. Both my daughters are off pursuing their own dreams and living their best lives in USA, this is my first year as an empty nester, I know based on my life experiences that this year is going to be full of many new adventures and lots of growing pains. I decided to use this blog to document the journey.  Living in Japan, has given me the opportunity to live freely and taught me to be more present in the moment, slowing down and appreciating the little things. It has helped me make sense of life and focus on what really matters.  I want to share my unique perspective and hopefully my experiences will be inspirational and possibly open up new possibilities As I navigate this new phase of life known as the "Empty Nest," I believe it to be a fertile ground for growth and self-discovery. No longer tethered to the daily responsibilities of parenting, I suddenly...
2 comments
Read more