The Power of Being Natural

 

There is a quote by the Japanese thinker Tempu Nakamura (1876–1968): “The emphasis is on applying force rather than exerting force.” This reminds me of my high school sports days, when coaches would often say, “You’re pushing too hard. Relax and be more natural.” Looking back, I now understand that a “natural state” means knowing how to apply force effectively, without unnecessary tension. Nakamura also said, “Both the mind and body are tools.” This suggests that discovering how to use these tools in a way that suits us—then refining and mastering that method—is essential not only for personal growth but also for contributing to others and society. His teachings highlight the importance of staying natural and avoiding strain to make full use of one’s strength. Through this process, we begin to grasp the deeper secrets of how to control our body and mind, while reaffirming the lifelong importance of exploring and practicing these principles.

Popular posts from this blog

Navigating the Positive and Negative Impacts of Technological Advancements

Image
In human history, every story has two sides, the positive and the negative. For example, the invention of the printing press greatly facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and expertise, and the invention of the motor vehicle dramatically transformed human mobility. However, the former also led to a decline in human memory function, and the latter contributed to a sedentary lifestyle and physical fitness issues. Similarly, the Internet and AI provide us with a wealth of information that we often rely on, but it can also diminish our ability to rely on our own insights and intuition, which our ancestors cultivated through their interactions with nature over the course of human history. Even today, by simply taking a walk and engaging in a conscious dialogue with trees and plants, we can restore our innate insight and intuition. This, in turn, can enhance our imaginative abilities and provide emotional healing. It may be hard to believe, but why not give it a try?
Read more

Believe in Yourself: Insights from Osamu Tezuka and Mitsuo Aid

Image
  “Trust in others, but believe in yourself a hundred times more” is one of the famous quotes by Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989). During his lifetime, Tezuka created over 700 manga titles, including “Astro Boy”, “Jungle Emperor”, “Firebird”, and “Black Jack”, which received high praise worldwide. This quote gives us a glimpse of his unique beliefs based on his lifetime experience. Instead of relying solely on external support, Tezuka believed that overcoming despair required being a strong shield and ally to oneself. Additionally, Mitsuo Aida (1928-1989), a Japanese poet and calligrapher, has left behind many famous sayings, one of which is “I was born into this world because there is one job in this world that only I can do.” This quote also reflects Mr. Aida's beliefs. Therefore, if we consider these two famous quotes together and make some adaptations, I could say, “I was born into this world because there is a job that only I can do. And, I firmly believe in my p...
Read more

Cultivating Sensitivity: The Impact of Adversity on Emotional Expression and Fresh Perspectives

Image
  People often become more sensitive when they experience poverty or hardships that are more challenging than others. On the other hand, individuals who have been blessed with good circumstances and have lived without inconveniences tend to have dull sensibilities. This can be understood from the fact that, for example, when a person goes through a difficult situation and honestly writes about what they feel on a daily basis, their sensitivity is very acute, and the reader is moved. So, what is the state of sensitivity that is expressed there? This means that a person's five senses are in a state where they are sensitive and responsive, and what is sensed by the five senses is smoothly transmitted to the circuits that control emotions, allowing one to feel free and diverse in expressing oneself without doubting one's own heart. Their expressions are free from preconceptions and fixed ideas, and offer new perspectives, ways of thinking, and new values to those around them. As a ...
Read more