All about Self-esteem by Teru Nakashima, Japan
Teru Nakashima: A Pioneer in Self-Esteem Psychology
# Teru Nakashima: Leading Voice in Self-Esteem Psychology
Teru Nakashima is a prominent Japanese psychological counselor, author, and public speaker who developed "Natural Psychology," an approach to enhancing self-acceptance and transforming lives. After overcoming severe personal struggles, including a decade as a hikikomori (social recluse) and multiple suicide attempts, he independently studied psychology and therapy, developing methods that led to his own recovery and eventually helping others.
## Core Theory and Methodology
Nakashima's theory of self-acceptance centers on six fundamental elements:
- Sense of Existence: Feeling one's life has value
- Sense of Competence: Believing in one's abilities
- Sense of Belonging: Feeling accepted in society
- Sense of Security: Having a safe space
- Self-Trust: Being reliable and dependable
- Self-Esteem: Recognizing one's inherent worth
His methodology follows three key steps:
1. Self-Recognition: Acknowledging all aspects of oneself
2. Self-Acceptance: Embracing one's complete self
3. Self-Affirmation: Recognizing one's inherent value
## Impact and Work
Nakashima has authored several bestselling books, including "Three Steps to Enhance Self-Acceptance" and "How to Love Yourself." He conducts training sessions nationwide for corporations, educational institutions, and hospitals. His YouTube channel and daily newsletter provide practical guidance on self-acceptance and personal growth.
His unique contribution includes the concept of "mental brakes" - unconscious blocks formed from past trauma and negative thought patterns. He teaches that true self-acceptance isn't about forced positivity but embracing one's authentic self completely. Nakashima also introduces "fudoshin" (immovable mind) as the ultimate state of self-acceptance - maintaining inner stability regardless of external circumstances.
His work particularly resonates in Japanese society, where issues of self-worth and social pressure are prevalent. Through seminars, books, digital content, and counseling sessions, Nakashima continues to provide hope and practical guidance to those struggling with self-acceptance, while his principles are increasingly applied in organizational development to improve workplace relationships and employee well-being.
All about Self-esteem by Teru Nakashima, Japan
The Power of Kanjo: Japanese Grit Meets Self-Affirmation
Exploring the fascinating Japanese concept of kanjo (often translated as "grit") and how it intersects with self-affirmation techniques to create sustainable resilience without burnout.
• Kanjo encompasses perseverance, willpower, and drive to push through challenges toward achieving goals
• Traditional kanjo can create immense pressure when taken to extremes
• Nakashima's mountain climbing analogy: self-efficacy is believing you can climb; self-affirmation is figuring out how to climb when the path seems impossible
• The six senses of self-affirmation: self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-efficacy, self-trust, self-determination, and sense of usefulness
• Practical techniques include reframing negative thoughts, the four good things exercise, if-then planning, and small timeline visualization
• Self-affirmation acts as a counterbalance to kanjo, preventing burnout while maintaining determination
• Finding balance between striving for goals and honoring personal needs creates sustainable resilience
• The wabi-sabi spirit of embracing imperfection frees us from perfectionism while still pursuing growth
What does kanjo mean to you, and how can self-affirmation empower you to embrace that spirit in a way that feels authentic, balanced and fulfilling?
Description 2
The ancient Japanese concept of kanjo captures something deeper than the English word "grit" can convey. This powerful cultural value encompasses perseverance, inner strength, and unwavering determination—qualities that have helped generations navigate life's harshest storms.
But what happens when we apply this traditional wisdom to our modern, often overwhelming world? Drawing from the groundbreaking work of Japanese psychologist Teru Nakashima, we discover how self-affirmation techniques can transform kanjo from a potentially exhausting demand for perfection into a sustainable source of resilience and growth.
Through Nakashima's mountain climbing analogy, we distinguish between merely believing we can overcome obstacles (self-efficacy) and developing the adaptability to find our path even when it seems impossible (self-affirmation). His framework of six senses—self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-efficacy, self-trust, self-determination, and a sense of usefulness—provides a balanced foundation for cultivating inner strength without burning out.
We explore practical techniques like reframing negative thoughts, practicing daily gratitude through the "four good things" exercise, implementing if-then planning, and breaking down daunting goals through small timeline visualization. These tools help us maintain our kanjo spirit while honoring our humanity and limitations.
The true power emerges when we blend traditional kanjo with modern self-affirmation—creating resilience that doesn't require sacrificing our wellbeing. Like the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection), this approach frees us from the pressure of perfectionism while still encouraging continuous growth.
What might your life look like if you embraced both the unwavering determination of kanjo and the compassionate self-awareness of Nakashima's teachings? How might you face challenges differently, with both strength and self-kindness as your companions?
Teru Nakashima, All about Self-esteem
Hey everyone, welcome back for another deep dive. Today we're going to be looking at something pretty fascinating. I think, the Japanese concept of kanjo, which is often translated as grit. But we're going to get into all the nuances and everything of that and we're going to be exploring how it connects to the idea of self-affirmation, using insights from the work of Teru Nakashima, who is a Japanese self-affirmation. Using insights from the work of Teru Nakashima, who is a Japanese self-affirmation expert.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's such a fascinating intersection of those two ideas and I think there are a lot of cool takeaways here that we can get to. Like you know, we're going to uncover how self-affirmation can actually like boost your kanjo, which is really cool. That's awesome. Tie it all back actually like boost your Kanjo, yeah, which is really cool. That's awesome. Tie it all back to like some traditional Japanese values as well.
Speaker 1:Okay, so first things first. What exactly is Kanjo? Because I feel like the simple translation of grit doesn't quite capture it.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you're absolutely right, it's so much more multifaceted than just grit. Kanjo encompasses, you know, perseverance, willpower, that drive to push through challenges, and ultimately it's about achieving your goals. Yeah, and you know, it's deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and, you know, historically linked to, like resilience and strength.
Speaker 1:I can already see how that could be like both a powerful trait.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And also potentially a problematic trait. Yes, like if you're constantly pushing yourself to the limit, that could lead to burnout Right.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Yeah, that's a great point. You know, taken to an extreme, karnjo can create this like immense pressure.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Almost like you're expected to sacrifice everything for the sake of like achievement Right, you know? And it can set unrealistic expectations and, as you said, ultimately lead to burnout, and that's where self-affirmation kind of comes in yeah, so where does terry nakashima, our self-affirmation guru?
Speaker 1:yes fit into all of this? Does he even use the term kanjo in his work?
Speaker 2:so while he doesn't use the word kanjo directly, like specifically, okay his ideas about self-affirmation really resonate with, like the core principles of kanjo. It's like he's giving us this modern framework for understanding and cultivating that inner strength, without like falling into the potential downsides of like pushing too hard.
Speaker 1:Okay, that makes sense. But how does Nakashima's view of self-affirmation differ from, say, like, the typical self-help advice of just telling yourself I can do it?
Speaker 2:Oh, that's a good question.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Think of it this way Nakashima uses this analogy of climbing a mountain.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Self-efficacy is believing you can climb the mountain. Self-affirmation is about figuring out how to climb the mountain, Even when you can't see the path or it seems impossible. It's not just about confidence. It's about adaptability, resourcefulness and developing that resilience to keep going no matter what.
Speaker 1:So, while self-efficacy is about believing in your ability, self-affirmation is about understanding your approach Exactly and adapting it to overcome any obstacle.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:That's really powerful, and it sounds like this is more than just like a feel-good technique.
Speaker 2:It's really about equipping yourself with the tools to face challenges head-on, absolutely yeah. Nakashima calls it the power to live. It's about finding happiness and fulfillment even in the midst of life's inevitable challenges, which aligns beautifully with, like, the spirit of Kanjo.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Because when we tap into that power to live, we're also tapping into that ability to persevere, to stay positive and keep striving even when things get tough.
Speaker 1:I'm starting to get a sense of how these ideas are interwoven. I read that Nakashima uses this interesting analogy of a baby learning to walk yes, to illustrate his point.
Speaker 2:What's that all about? He's making a point about persistence and learning from failures, both of which are essential elements of conjo.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:A baby doesn't just give up after stumbling once right. They keep trying, they adapt and eventually they walk. It's that unwavering spirit to keep learning and growing from each experience.
Speaker 1:This is resonating with me on a personal level, because I definitely have a tendency to give up too easily when things get hard. I want to hear more about how to overcome that.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:One thing that really stood out to me in Nakashima's work is his idea of comparing ourselves, not to others.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But to our past and ideal selves.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Can you explain that a bit more?
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a really insightful way to fuel both growth and that Kanjo spirit. It's about acknowledging your own progress while still striving to be better, to reach your full potential.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's less about competition and more about self-improvement.
Speaker 1:And that ties in so perfectly with Kanjo right, that drive to constantly push for growth and betterment. It's like the internal drive to be the best you that you can be Right Before we jump into how Nagash be the best you that you can be Right Before we jump into how Nagashima helps us tap into all of this. Yeah, can you tell us a little bit more about him? Sure, his background, his expertise, what makes him so qualified to speak on these topics?
Speaker 2:Yeah, he's got some serious credentials. He's a psychologist and author and has worked with over 15,000 clients Wow. But what I find truly compelling is that he draws from his own life challenges.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow.
Speaker 2:Childhood trauma struggles with mental health. Yeah, to inform his work.
Speaker 1:I see.
Speaker 2:It gives his teachings, this powerful layer of authenticity and lived experience Right. It's not just theory, it's rooted in real life struggles and triumphs.
Speaker 1:That's so important. Okay, so I know that Nakashima has this framework of six senses that are like the building blocks of self-affirmation. Can you give us a brief rundown of those before we head into part two Of course yeah.
Speaker 2:The six senses are self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-efficacy, self-trust, self-determination and a sense of usefulness.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And it's crucial to remember that it's not about achieving some kind of perfect score in all six.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:We're not aiming for perfection here.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about finding a balance that works for you.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And understanding which senses need a little more nurturing in your own life.
Speaker 1:That's such a relief to hear, because sometimes these frameworks can feel overwhelming.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's great to hear it's not an all or nothing thing and that it's about figuring out what works best for you.
Speaker 2:Exactly. There's no one size fits all approach to self affirmation.
Speaker 1:This has already been so insightful, and I can't wait to dive deeper into the practical side of all of this in part two.
Speaker 2:Me too.
Speaker 1:We'll be back after a short break to explore how to put these concepts into action. Stay tuned.
Speaker 2:Welcome back everyone. I'm excited to get into, like the practical side of things, how we can actually incorporate these, like powerful concepts of conjo and self-affirmation into our everyday lives.
Speaker 1:I'm all about putting these ideas into action. Like where do we start? How can we actually cultivate Kanjo in a way that feels authentic and sustainable for us modern folks? You know, dealing with all the stress and pressure of modern life.
Speaker 2:Right, it's a great question and you know, we have to remember that Kanjo isn't about forcing ourselves to our breaking point or constantly pushing ourselves to the limit. Right, that's a recipe for disaster in our already overwhelming world.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about harnessing that inner strength wisely and with compassion for ourselves. And that's where Nakashima's self-affirmation techniques come in. They're like tools to help us build that strong, resilient foundation.
Speaker 1:I love that analogy tools for building resilience. So practical, yeah. So let's say, someone is feeling stuck like they've hit a wall in their career or struggling with a personal goal. What's a practical first step they can take using these tools?
Speaker 2:One of Nakashima's core teachings is about the power of perspective. Okay, remember the reframing technique we talked about earlier.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Instead of dwelling on the negative like I'm a failure, I'll never achieve this. We can reframe those thoughts to focus on the negative. Like I'm a failure, I'll never achieve this. We can reframe those thoughts to focus on the opportunity for growth.
Speaker 1:You know, that's actually a real game changer. I've always struggled with negative self-talk, but thinking of it as reframing makes it feel a lot more empowering, like I have more control over my thoughts.
Speaker 2:Can you give an example of how this might work in real life? Absolutely Imagine you're an artist working on a but it's just not coming together the way you envisioned. Instead of getting caught in that like self-criticism, yeah. You could reframe that and say, OK, this approach isn't working.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But what can I learn from it?
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:What new techniques can I try? That's conjo meeting, self-affirmation, embracing the challenge as an opportunity to refine your skills.
Speaker 1:Turning a setback into a stepping stone. Exactly, I love that. Another incredibly helpful tool is the four good things. Exercise, yes, at the end of each day. Jot down four good things that happened, no matter how small they seem.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:It could be a delicious meal, a conversation with a friend, a beautiful sunset, anything that sparked joy or gratitude.
Speaker 2:Yes. That sounds lovely, but I have to admit, I'm a little lost on how this connects to conjo. It seems a bit well fluffy. Yeah, it's all about training our minds to focus on the positive. That simple act helps us build resilience and cultivate a sense of hope.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know, when we're feeling overwhelmed, remembering those good things can help us stay motivated to keep that conjo spirit alive.
Speaker 1:Oh, I see it's like reminding ourselves that even amid challenges, there's always good to be found. I like that a lot more.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and remember conjo can sometimes lead to us pushing ourselves too hard.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:That's where self-care and recognizing those good things becomes even more important.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Now let's talk about if-then planning. It's a really practical way to build the positive habits that support those big goals.
Speaker 1:Okay, I'm intrigued. Tell me more about this if-then planning.
Speaker 2:It's about thinking ahead, anticipating obstacles and having a predetermined plan of action. Let's say your goal is to write a novel, but you're prone to procrastination. You might make an if-then plan like this If I feel the urge to scroll social media instead of writing, then I will set a timer for 25 minutes and focus solely on writing.
Speaker 1:So it's about outsmarting that resistance and setting ourselves up for success.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Having a predetermined plan makes us less likely to give in to temptation and derail our progress. Yeah, and the more we follow through on these positive actions, the stronger our self-discipline and conjo become.
Speaker 1:It's like we're building up those conjo muscles rep by rep.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:But what about when those inevitable setbacks hit? I'm thinking about the times when that self-doubt creeps in and threatens to sabotage all our hard work.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:How can we stay resilient in those moments?
Speaker 2:This is when having a toolkit of coping strategies becomes essential. Ok, these are the things we do to manage stress, regulate our emotions and maintain a sense of peace, even when things feel chaotic.
Speaker 1:A toolkit of coping strategies. That's a great way to put it. What are some examples that our listeners might find useful?
Speaker 2:There are so many options and it's about finding what works best for you. Yeah, it could be as simple as what works best for you.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It could be as simple as taking deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed, going for a walk in nature, listening to uplifting music or connecting with a supportive friend.
Speaker 1:It's important to remember that self-care isn't selfish. It's essential, especially when we're trying to cultivate Kanjo.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's not about pushing ourselves to the breaking point. It's about caring for our well-being so we can show up as our strongest selves Absolutely.
Speaker 2:Self-care and conjo go hand in hand.
Speaker 1:I love that.
Speaker 2:Now let's touch upon the final technique small timeline visualization.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:This one's all about setting ourselves up for success by breaking down big, daunting goals into smaller or manageable steps.
Speaker 1:I think this is so important because that fear of failure can be paralyzing.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:We get overwhelmed by the enormity of the goal and never even start Right. So how can we use the small timeline visualization to help us overcome that?
Speaker 2:Let's say your dream is to run a marathon.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Using this technique, you wouldn't start by trying to run 26 miles on day one. No, you'd set realistic, smaller goals. Maybe start by running one mile without stopping and then slowly increase the distance over time.
Speaker 1:It's like that conjo spirit of perseverance, but in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and by celebrating those small wins along the way, we build momentum and confidence, which fuels our motivation to keep going.
Speaker 1:I'm noticing how Conjo and self-affirmation are working together to create this incredible synergy of inner strength and resilience. We're not just talking about gritting our teeth and pushing through. We're talking about building a solid foundation of self-belief and well-being.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and that's such a powerful combination.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about embracing both the unwavering determination of Kanjo.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And the supportive, nurturing energy of self-affirmation.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Together, they create a powerful foundation for achieving our goals and living a truly fulfilling life.
Speaker 1:This has been an incredible exploration so far and we've covered a lot of ground.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:From the essence of conjo to practical techniques. I'm really starting to see how these seemingly different ideas conjo and self-affirmation are actually so interconnected Me too.
Speaker 2:And we're not done yet.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:In the final part of our deep dive, we'll zoom out to look at how these concepts can help us navigate the complexities of modern life.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:We'll explore how to use these tools not only to achieve our goals, but also to live with greater resilience and purpose.
Speaker 1:Stay tuned, listeners, as we wrap up this fascinating discussion in part three. Welcome back everyone for this final part of our Conjo deep dive. We're going to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:How can these concepts, this blend of traditional grit and modern self-affirmation, actually help us navigate the messiness of modern life? Because, let's face it, things can feel pretty overwhelming out there.
Speaker 2:It's true, the world throws a lot at us, you know information overload, pressure to succeed, constant change. It's easy to feel lost, burned out or like we're just not measuring up.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And in that kind of environment, you know, clinging to Kanjo that drive to just push through.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Could backfire if we're not careful.
Speaker 1:Right, Like we talked about earlier. Too much emphasis on Kanjo without that self-affirmation piece could lead to burnout Right. So how does self-affirmation act as a sort of counterbalance to those modern pressures?
Speaker 2:I think it all comes back to like remembering your inherent worth and value pressures. I think it all comes back to like remembering your inherent worth and value. Okay, no matter what's going on externally. Yeah, you know, self-affirmation helps us cultivate a sense of inner peace and self-acceptance and that allows us to like weather those storms Right Without losing ourselves in the process.
Speaker 1:So it's like having that conscious spirit of pushing through challenges, but with this foundation of self-love and compassion to keep us grounded.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's about finding that balance between striving for our goals and honoring our own needs and limits. Right, you know? Remember those six senses of self-affirmation that Nakashima talks about.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Nurturing those senses helps us create that inner stability, even amidst the chaos of modern life.
Speaker 1:Can we break down the six senses a bit more and see how they play out in a practical way?
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Because I think for a lot of listeners the challenge is connecting those concepts to real life situations.
Speaker 2:Right, so let's start with self-esteem.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know, in a world obsessed with, like external markers of success, money, status, you name it self-esteem reminds us that our value comes from within. It's about recognizing our strengths, our talents, what we uniquely bring to the table.
Speaker 1:So it's like an internal source of validation.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:That's not dependent on external approval. I can already see how that would be a powerful antidote to those feelings of not being enough Exactly that are so prevalent these days.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And then we have self-acceptance, which is a huge one, especially in the age of social media and curated perfection.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Self-acceptance is about embracing all parts of ourselves.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Even the messy bits.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about letting go of perfectionism and recognizing that we're all works in progress.
Speaker 1:Isn't there a danger, though, in becoming too self-accepting? That's a good question. Like how do we balance that with the need to grow, to keep striving for self-improvement, which is so central to the idea of conjo?
Speaker 2:Right. It's not about becoming complacent or settling for mediocrity.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's about recognizing that growth and self-improvement come from a place of self-love and acceptance.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Not from a place of self-criticism or shame. When we accept ourselves as we are, we're more likely to approach challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Speaker 1:That makes so much sense. It's about recognizing that we are worthy of love and acceptance, even as we're striving to become better versions of ourselves, and that ties in beautifully with the concept of conjo.
Speaker 2:Exactly Now. Let's touch on self-efficacy, which we discussed earlier, that belief in our ability to achieve our goals, and it's a crucial sense for navigating challenges and bouncing back from setbacks.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's what keeps us going, even when the going gets tough.
Speaker 1:And I imagine self-trust goes hand in hand with that right.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Like being able to trust your gut, your instincts, even when you're facing uncertainty.
Speaker 2:Yes, self-trust is about believing in your judgment, your intuition, your inner compass.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's what allows you to make decisions that align with your values, even when you're facing external pressures or doubts.
Speaker 1:It's like trusting your own inner conjo, that deep down feeling that tells you what's right for you.
Speaker 2:Perfectly said. Then we have self-determination, which is all about agency and autonomy. It's recognizing that you have the power to shape your life, make choices and own your actions.
Speaker 1:I think that's such a powerful concept to embrace, especially in a world where it can feel like we're constantly being bombarded with messages and expectations.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:From external sources. It's about reclaiming your power.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And finally there's a sense of usefulness, okay, that feeling of purpose and contribution.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's recognizing how we each make a difference in the world.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Whether through our work, our relationships or simply being kind and compassionate human beings.
Speaker 1:I love it. It's like conjo with a heart.
Speaker 2:Yes, it's recognizing that our lives have meaning and that we each have something valuable to offer the world.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And that sense of purpose fuels our conjo, giving us the motivation to keep going even when things are tough.
Speaker 1:So we have these six senses as a foundation, yes, these tools for building resilience, but how do we actually put them into practice? How do we nurture these aspects of ourselves in a tangible way?
Speaker 2:That's where those practical techniques we discussed earlier come in. You know, the reframing, the four good things, exercise, the if-then planning, developing coping strategies, the small timeline, visualization, these are all tools we can use to strengthen those six senses and build a solid foundation of self-affirmation.
Speaker 1:It's like we're creating this beautiful feedback loop the more we practice self-affirmation, the stronger our conjo becomes, the more resilient we are in the face of challenges and so on.
Speaker 2:And the more resilient we are, the more resilient we are in the face of challenges and so on, and the more resilient we are, the more likely we are to pursue our goals, make a positive impact and live a life that feels truly fulfilling.
Speaker 1:This whole conversation has been so enlightening. What resonates most with me is the idea that it's not about becoming some kind of superhuman who never experiences doubt or fear. Superhuman who never experiences doubt or fear. It's about learning to navigate those inevitable ups and downs with more grace, strength and compassion for ourselves.
Speaker 2:I couldn't have put it better myself. It's about recognizing that we're all perfectly imperfect human beings, and that's okay, embracing our humanity while still striving to be the best versions of ourselves.
Speaker 1:It's like that beautiful Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, yes, finding beauty in imperfection.
Speaker 2:Embracing that wabi-sabi spirit frees us from the pressure to be perfect and opens us to the beauty of growth, learning and becoming.
Speaker 1:Well, this has been an incredible deep dive. We've gone from unpacking this ancient concept of kanjo to exploring these really practical, modern tools for cultivating resilience and purpose in a world that can feel very demanding. Absolutely, and for all of you listening, I want to leave you with this final question to ponder what does Kanjo mean to you and how can self-affirmation empower you to embrace that spirit in a way that feels authentic, balanced and fulfilling? Keep exploring, keep learning and keep diving deep until next time.
