A Journey through My Diverse Perspectives

  It is easy to say we should distance ourselves from people we dislike, but when avoidance is impossible, the situation can feel almost tragic. Yet, even such relationships offer valuable lessons. Rather than being superficial, we can sometimes ease tension by considering the other person’s position—as well as the perspectives of those who support them—and by facing them without outright denial but with a broader, higher outlook. Because difficult people stand out so clearly, they challenge us to raise our own awareness. This is easier said than done, but worth attempting with calmness. When we succeed, our sense of difficulty diminishes, and the experience becomes a resource for handling other challenging relationships.

  Many Japanese Buddhist monks teach that one should “take losses to accumulate virtue.” This means that even experiences that seem like unwelcome losses can become opportunities to build virtue when willingly accepted without expecting anything in return. Here, “virtue” refers to inner qualities such as moral character, integrity, and goodness. By accumulating virtue, we gain the trust of others, enrich our relationships, and are more likely to receive support in times of difficulty. At the same time, we cultivate inner satisfaction and personal growth. So, if you find yourself facing what feels like a loss, remember the teaching: “take losses to accumulate virtue.”

  A common story we hear from people in their late 70s and older is that they can no longer do what they once could. Declining physical strength, reduced brain function, and narrowing choices often lead to fewer activities, diminished motivation, disrupted daily rhythms, and eventually a negative cycle affecting both mind and body. If this is a path most of us face, even at different speeds, what can we do to prevent it? Now in my mid-60s, I find myself considering a minimalist lifestyle—reducing waste, practicing simplicity, and focusing on what I truly want to do. At the same time, I want to stay connected to society and continue nurturing self-esteem. Of course, my opportunities will narrow as I age, but within those limits there are still ways to grow and discover new potential. I believe the key lies in maintaining a steady daily rhythm, keeping my body and brain engaged, celebrating small successes, and appreciating the life I have. When I look back at my working years, my op...

  When I write essays, a daily routine for me, I often feel as though I am conversing with another version of myself—one that offers me advice. On closer reflection, I realize this advice is shaped by what I have learned from books, mentors, and my own past experiences. In a sense, my present self simply lives day by day without much wisdom to rely on, while this other self reaches into memory, retrieves lessons, and presents them as guidance. It feels almost like the relationship between a computer’s memory and hard drive: one draws out and supplies what the other needs. Yet, there is something to be mindful of. If we consciously nurture this inner dialogue to bring out positive insights, it can protect and guide us. But if we allow it to unconsciously pull forth negative thoughts, it may instead work against us.

  When doing good deeds for others, such as being filial to one’s parents, it is important not to overexert yourself physically or mentally. You have your own life to live, and pushing yourself too hard can eventually make it difficult to continue. By practicing kindness in moderation and making it a natural part of your routine, you reduce stress, ease the burden, and make it easier to sustain over time.

  In Japan, some people believe that as we grow as human beings and reach a certain stage of maturity, learning shifts from seeking causal explanations to discovering meaning through deeper connections. I have not yet reached that stage of growth, so I cannot fully grasp the essence of this idea. Still, I aspire to continue cultivating myself so that one day I may come to truly understand its meaning.

  The accumulation of small daily achievements builds self-esteem, strengthens self-affirmation, and enhances focus and motivation. These benefits help us live positively in the present and deepen our sense of fulfillment. For this reason, it is wise to include actions that bring small successes into our daily routine. In my case, I began cleaning the bathroom—a mold-prone and often troublesome space—every day after retirement. Though it can feel like a chore, I always feel refreshed afterward.