A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Even when we read a passage that conveys an important lesson, we may not grasp its deeper meaning and may only believe we understand it on the surface. This is especially true when we are young or when the subject lies outside our own experience. Yet, as we accumulate similar knowledge and experiences to those that shaped the writer’s insight, we may one day reach the essence of that lesson and arrive at a similar state of mind. For this reason, even if a sentence does not fully resonate with us at the time, preserving what feels quietly important in our memory is never wasted. Someday, those words may return to us as confirmation of a lesson we have finally learned for ourselves.

  If the elementary particles that make up the macrocosm are the same as those that make up human beings, then humans can be seen as a microcosm—an integral part of the macrocosm itself. From this perspective, when we consult the universe about our personal worries and make it our ally—shifting from division to harmony—those worries can be transformed into manageable problems. Believing that such problems are solvable changes our state of mind from anxiety to a sense of security and allows us to approach problem-solving with a more positive attitude. This is the way I wish to think from now on.

  It is often said that changing the way we think will change our behavior, and this is certainly true. However, changing our way of thinking is not always easy, because our thought patterns tend to be rigid. In such cases, another approach is to begin by changing our behavior. By doing so, we can gradually influence the thought processes in our brain and, over time, reshape our patterns of thinking. For example, just as it is difficult to feel sad while skipping or angry while smiling, repeatedly expressing positive words, especially those of gratitude, can shift our mindset toward positivity. This change in thinking then influences our behavior and habits, eventually leading to better outcomes. Of course, no matter how sound these theories or principles may be, we can truly understand and benefit from them only by putting them into practice, again and again.

  Before I retired, my life revolved around work. I was constantly focused on future results, comparing myself with others, and measuring my value by how I was evaluated and positioned in relation to them. After retirement, however, I began to feel the winds of late autumn in my life and to look back on myself more objectively. In doing so, I could no longer find meaning in such comparisons. Instead, my values gradually shifted toward living fully in the present, paying close attention to my five senses. It is said that a life grounded in sensory awareness nurtures creativity and sensitivity, harmonizes mind and body, and supports spiritual growth. For this reason, whether retired or not, I encourage you to pause from time to time, become conscious of your five senses, and live a balanced life that allows your true self to emerge.

  Camellias bloom in abundance, their vibrant reds, soft pinks, and pure whites standing out against the bleak backdrop of winter. Their quiet warmth and vitality gently open hearts long closed by the cold, offering comfort and calm in the harsh season. If we look carefully around us, we will notice people who, like camellias, bring warmth and reassurance simply by being there.

  When we impose ourselves on an activity, vague expectations—often unconsciously shaped by our image of success—can easily cause problems if they are set too high or too low from the outset, much like poorly chosen goals. If our expectations are too high, we are likely to give up halfway, as the distance to the goal feels overwhelming and progress seems insufficient. Conversely, if expectations are too low, we may feel a brief sense of satisfaction upon reaching them, but our growth will stagnate and meaningful progress will remain unlikely. For this reason, expectations should be neither overly ambitious nor overly modest, but set at a level that can be achieved through reasonable effort and ingenuity—what might be called “just right.” Once this initial expectation is met, it can serve as a baseline from which we gradually raise the bar. By incrementally increasing our expectations, we sustain growth, build self-esteem, and steadily move closer to the image of success we original...