A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  A fundamental concept in Buddhism, Engi, teaches that all things exist through interconnected relationships. In other words, we live in a world where everything is connected, supporting one another and sustaining life itself. Because of this, the Japanese have long cherished a spiritual culture rooted in gratitude and kindness toward all beings. In modern society, scientific research has demonstrated the numerous benefits of gratitude on both the brain and body. Yet, as worldly desires increasingly dominate our lives and human connections grow weaker, we risk losing sight of essential values such as harmony and mutual respect. However, if we accept our present circumstances as they are, live each day to the fullest with gratitude and bright hope, and continue moving forward, we will leave no room for regret. In doing so, we also lay the foundation for a better world.

  As we grow older, our range of activities naturally narrows compared to our younger years. However, in exchange, we begin to notice things we once overlooked, develop new interests, and sometimes find ourselves deeply moved—even grateful. This shift becomes especially pronounced after retirement. In a way, the behavioral focus of older individuals moves toward the micro: an increased awareness of and appreciation for the natural world and the small details of daily life. While our physical space may shrink, our mental space tends to expand, which may be an essential condition for experiencing the depth of life. Conversely, as the Japanese idiom says, “Let the young travel,” younger people are naturally drawn to the unknown, seeking adventure and broadening their horizons in a macro direction. I was no different in my youth. Yet whether our consciousness moves toward the macro or the micro, both perspectives expand the dimensions of our awareness, offering valuable lessons and fos...

  Just as market principles dictate that scarcity increases value, the psychological worth of time rises sharply as we age and recognize how little of it remains. With this in mind, building a life free of regrets requires us to listen to our inner voice, identify what truly matters, and act on those desires while we still can. Surveys of elderly individuals consistently highlight common regrets: "I should have followed the path I believed in," "I should have pursued what I truly wanted," and "I should have taken more risks—failures would have been insignificant in the grand scheme of life." While following our dreams involves risk, older people often realize that mistakes made in youth are easier to correct, making reasonable risks worthwhile. If we suppress our deepest aspirations out of excessive caution, those buried feelings may resurface later, triggering regret. At the same time, many come to accept that dwelling on the past is futile. By fostering ...

  Instead of simply dismissing failure as a setback, we should sincerely reflect on it, extract valuable lessons, and use them to improve our lives. By doing so, we prevent ourselves from being overwhelmed by its negative aspects and falling into despair. Moreover, when we learn from our mistakes and avoid repeating them, failure itself gains meaning, serving as a mirror that reveals our shortcomings. In other words, if we can look back with gratitude and say, "It is because of that failure that I am happy now," we will have grasped its true significance. This mindset allows us to focus on living a life without regrets. After all, personal growth and self-actualization are impossible without failure.

  The shift in consciousness that occurs immediately after retirement is something everyone who has worked for many years must face. In my case, this transformation unfolded as follows. Before retirement, my life revolved around work. My focus was always on achieving good results in the immediate or near future, driven by the challenges at hand. My performance was evaluated by others, which led me to compare myself with colleagues—despite knowing, deep down, that such comparisons were fueled by ego and ultimately unproductive. After retirement, however, my perspective changed. Instead of striving for short-term achievements, I became more concerned with enriching the rest of my life. I realized that the final evaluator of my journey was no longer others but myself. As a result, comparing my life to others seemed meaningless, and my attention shifted to living each moment fully and making the most of each day. While working, I was deeply engaged in organizational relationships—for b...

  After retirement, we inevitably face a future where our physical and intellectual abilities decline. Resisting this natural flow of time only leads to frustration and sadness. Instead, accepting this reality and making the most of each day allows us to live without regrets. To achieve a life without regrets, it is essential to listen to our inner voice—not just in retirement, but from a young age. Ignoring this voice due to overthinking or hesitation may later lead to regret when circumstances no longer allow us to act. Even if we fail, we are far less likely to regret trying than we are to regret inaction. Regardless of age, reflecting on the lifestyles, habits, experiences, and current situations of those 5 to 10 years ahead of us provides valuable insight. Observing both their successes and struggles helps us understand the cause-and-effect relationships that shape life. In this way, older individuals serve as mirrors reflecting our possible future and as guides offering wisdo...