A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  Melody, harmony, and rhythm are widely regarded as the three fundamental elements of music, collectively creating harmonious compositions that can have a profoundly positive impact on individuals and society. Personally, I find my daily morning walk to be a valuable routine that leaves me feeling both physically and mentally fulfilled. This routine seems to stabilize my autonomic nervous system, stimulate my thoughts and memories, enhance my sense of unity with my surroundings, and regulate my body's sense of rhythm. Given that the smallest elementary particles composing human beings exhibit wave-particle duality, it is understandable why balanced waves, like harmonious combinations of music elements, are crucially important for humans in their daily lives.

  We are often drawn to things that are rare and expensive, believing that their value reflects our own worth. However, true happiness is more likely to be found in our daily lives rather than in possessions that are expensive or elusive. By observing our surroundings closely, we can easily identify things within our reach. Therefore, it is crucial to establish our own standards of value, unaffected by market prices or others' judgments, to find fulfillment in life.

  When I review the short essays I've written in the past, I notice a mix of well-written pieces and others that are less polished. Regardless of their quality, each essay reflects the effort I've put into generating ideas and finding inspiration. I've realized that by simply changing the perspective and expression of these essays, I can enhance their value significantly. The most challenging aspect of creation, whether it's writing or any other form of art, is the initial spark of inspiration. To ensure that this valuable resource is not wasted, I've adopted a practice of revisiting my work after six months or a year. This allows me to reassess its worth and often discover new ways to improve it. Engaging in this process has taught me the importance of creativity and experimentation. By being open to new perspectives and approaches, We can continuously refine our work and push ourselves to new creative heights.

  Just as cleaning and organizing your physical space can bring clarity and reduce stress, so too can cleaning and organizing your mind. This process involves filtering out unnecessary information, noting down essential tasks and thoughts, organizing them systematically, and ultimately clearing your mind for better focus. By creating a comfortable and functional mental space, you can significantly reduce stress. Additionally, prioritizing and taking action on important tasks can enhance your productivity and leave you feeling more fulfilled.

  There is a Japanese proverb that states, "The more a wisteria flower grows downwards, the more people will look up at it because they notice that it is a beautiful flower." This proverb exemplifies the idea that the more humble persons are, the more respect they will garner for their character. Humility has long been valued as a virtue in Japanese culture. However, as globalization has advanced in recent years, some Japanese opinion leaders have begun to view humility negatively. They argue that it hinders the development of self-confidence among the Japanese people, which is contrary to what I expected.

  When visiting a temple or shrine in Japan, one may encounter a monthly slogan displayed on a bulletin board within the premises. Recently, a particular motto at a shrine I visited resonated with me: “Reflection: When you are arrogant, you will be abandoned by God. When you are greedy, you will be turned away by money. When you are jealous, you will not have friends. When you are angry, you will lose yourself.” Given the sacred setting, each word of the motto carries profound weight, touching my heart deeply. While reflections on the importance of self-assessment are often imparted by parents and teachers during childhood, as adults, we rarely encounter such reminders. Nevertheless, I believe that dedicating time to self-reflection as part of a daily routine is crucial for personal growth rooted in positive thinking.

  As May approaches, colorful flowers bloom one after another, and the young leaves grow greener with each passing day. In entering my post-retirement life, I've become increasingly sensitive to these changes in nature. I'm moved by its beauty, finding it soothing, and these changes also strongly stimulate my intellectual curiosity. It seems as if everyone becomes a poet as they grow older.