A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Most people are easily motivated by immediate gains or losses. However, even when we tell ourselves that we are dedicating our time selflessly, without expecting anything in return, and striving to accumulate virtue, sustaining such motivation without a visible endpoint is far from easy. If we push ourselves too hard, we simply cannot continue. Therefore, we must act within reasonable limits, guided by wisdom and ingenuity.

  The petals of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossom are a delicate pale pink, easily scattered by wind and rain, giving them a fleeting blooming period of about a week. During this time, cloudy or rainy weather is common, and the soft color of the petals often blends into the gray sky, muting their vibrancy. However, when viewed or photographed against the dark trunk of the cherry tree on such days, the petals stand out, revealing a different kind of beauty. This reminds us that beauty is rarely absolute or fixed; it is often shaped by contrast, perspective, and surroundings. For some, even the subtle blending of petals into a cloudy sky holds its own quiet charm, echoing the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi—the appreciation of imperfection and transience.

  Flowers soothe our hearts, yet we often overlook the serious survival strategies behind their bloom. For instance, why do spirea shrubs produce such dense clusters of delicate white flowers in early spring? Spiraea thunbergii relies on insects like bees for pollination, and by blooming profusely alongside cherry blossoms and many other flowers, it appears like a blanket of white snow—highly visible even from afar, though it blooms low to the ground. In the same way, each of us should strive to develop our own unique qualities and express them in a positive, meaningful way, just as flowers do.

  Many of us have experienced the frustration of seeking a clear answer to an important question, only to find that the question itself is too vague to be properly understood. When the core meaning is not effectively conveyed, even the most capable person may struggle to provide a precise response. In such situations, a third party can play a valuable role by clarifying and rephrasing the essential points in simpler terms. This not only leads to more accurate answers but can also help the responder recognize overlooked aspects or blind spots. Ultimately, this reminds us of the importance of asking well-crafted questions.

  Looking back on my life, each year has brought goals and challenges that demanded focus and effort, and I have done my best to meet them. At times I succeeded, but there were also many failures along the way. From my early forties onward, I made a conscious decision to learn from those failures and use them as fuel for the future, rather than dwell on regret. Even now in retirement, challenges continue to arise, whether I welcome them or not. While it is possible to drift through the days without setting clear goals, I feel that doing so quietly stifles growth and erodes one’s sense of purpose. To live without regret, it is essential to actively pursue what needs to be done—and what we truly wish to do—here and now.

  There is an old Japanese proverb, said to originate from Buddhist thought, called “Aien Kien.” “Aien” refers to a bond formed through natural affinity or love, while “Kien” describes a mysterious coincidence. In other words, whether people meet and connect harmoniously may depend on an unseen force of “Innen,” or fated connection. If this holds true, then encountering someone on social media with whom we share an immediate sense of chemistry—and building a lasting relationship of trust—can be seen as a rare and meaningful coincidence, almost miraculous in nature.