Calmness and Growth

 

Katsuya Nomura (1935–2020), a legendary player and manager in Japanese baseball, once described the state of mind needed to make dreams come true: “To achieve your dreams, it is crucial to maintain a constant desire for improvement. The key to sustaining this ambition is a sense of normalcy, or peace of mind. A normal mind is one that remains unchanged and undisturbed, unaffected by external factors, and supported by the confidence gained from accumulating small successes.” In Japanese, this state is known as Heijoshin—the ability to perceive things as they truly are, free from fear, doubt, surprise, or confusion. Attaining and sustaining this mindset may require considerable effort, but it is certainly possible. Developing healthy habits, practicing positive thinking, and taking time to center yourself all support the cultivation of Heijoshin. To maintain it, it is essential to accept what you cannot control, reset negative thoughts, and observe yourself objectively, which greatly reduces emotional fluctuations such as irritation or anger. It also helps to view each situation as a learning opportunity and respond with a positive attitude.

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