Streetart – Neo Musty @ Grenoble, France – Barbara Picci

Title: Deep water
Location: Grenoble, France
Artist: Neo Musty
For: Street Art Fest Grenoble Alpes
Address: 27 rue René Thomas
Year: 2024

Photo credits: Andrea Berlese

Source: Streetart – Neo Musty @ Grenoble, France – Barbara Picci

Japanese Techniques for Well-being  – Kaushal Kishore

 

Here’s a brief overview of some Japanese techniques I came across long ago. You may already be familiar with most of them, but their impact on self-improvement, discipline, efficiency, and well-being is so profound that I feel it’s worth revisiting them.

These 8 Japanese techniques have helped me in many ways like overcoming laziness and cultivating a more positive mindset. Hope you will also find some usefulness in them.

1. Kaizen: 

Kaizen, a method rooted in the concept of continuous improvement, is often regarded as the building blocks of all lean production practices. It emphasises reducing waste, boosting productivity, and fostering ongoing improvement in targetted activities and processes.

So break tasks into smaller, manageable steps by focussing on tiny improvements each day, sometimes with the help of others.

2. Pomodoro: 

The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Italian Francesco Cirillo, has gained significant popularity in Japan. This method divides work into focused 25-minute sessions, each followed by a 5-minute break. These concentrated intervals keep your mind sharp, while the short breaks help prevent burnout and allow for quick recharging.

So work in focused 25-minute increments, followed by a 5-minute break.

3. Ichigo Ichie: 

This phrase translates to “one encounter, one lifetime,” emphasising that every meeting is a unique event, occurring in its own time and space, and is therefore irreplaceable. It teaches us to let go of the past and future, allowing us to fully embrace and cherish each moment as something truly special.

So treat each task as a unique opportunity by  concentrating on the present moment.

4. Wabi-Sabi: 

Wabi-Sabi represents an appreciation for the fleeting nature of all things, and the beauty found in their imperfections. It encourages us to find charm in what might be considered “ugly” and to see perfection in what is “imperfect.” Since nature is always changing, nothing is ever truly complete.

So don’t wait for perfection; take action by embracing imperfections.

5. Hara Hachi Bu:

Hara Hachi Bu, which can be loosely translated as “eat until you are 80% full,” emphasises the practice of eating slowly and stopping before reaching full satiety.

So avoid overindulgence and the associated health risks.

6. Shoshin :

Shoshin means “beginner’s mind.”and refers to the idea of approaching every task like a beginner with the same curiosity as if you were doing it for the first time.

So adopt a mindset of humility and curiosity with openness, when approaching a subject, even if you are already at an advanced level

7. Ikigai:

Ikigai is a Japanese term that blends two words: “iki” meaning “to live,” and “gai” meaning “reason,” which translates to “a reason to live.” It’s a concept that encourages people to discover what truly matters to them and to live a life filled with purpose and joy.

So find something that fuels you to wake up each morning, harmonising your talents, passion, profession, and contribution to this world.

8. Shikata ga nai: 

Shikata ga nai is a Japanese phrase that translates to “it cannot be helped” or “nothing can be done about it”. This philosophy highlights the importance of accepting and letting go of things which are beyond our control.

So accept what you can’t change, and focus on what you can control.

.

–Kaushal Kishore 

Source: Japanese Techniques for Well-being  – Kaushal Kishore

Duke, the Limerick | From Behind the Pen

Image Credit: JuliusH/Pixabay

Silly is as silly does! I found this poem I’d written some time ago, while I was cleaning up my file cabinet a little while ago…like last week. I believe this was one of the first limericks I wrote. Like to hear a little limerick? Well, here it go (nope, not goes, but go!) You have a right to be a little silly today!

Duke

A handsome guy named Duke
became quite wealthy by a fluke
his hair was always in place
not a pimple anywhere on his face
but his breath made a skunk want to puke!

©2006 Kym Gordon Moore

May you have a limerick-licious day!

Source: Duke, the Limerick | From Behind the Pen

How Trump’s intimidation tactics have reshaped the Republican Party

…Since launching his Truth Social media platform in early 2022, Trump has posted more than 600 attacks on fellow Republicans, singling out more than 100 party officials, activists and right-leaning media figures for condemnation, according to a Reuters review of his nearly 20,000 posts during that time…

Source: How Trump’s intimidation tactics have reshaped the Republican Party

Terminal Stupidity! | Filosofa’s Word

…He also claimed that “beyond 100%” of new jobs created in the last year have gone to immigrants.  SAY WHAT???  If you create 100 new jobs, how the hell can 110 of them go to immigrants – or anybody else, for that matter???  This is beyond stupid and reminds me of comments he has made in the past when he said that Democrats support “post-birth abortion”.  Just how the hell do you abort a baby that’s already born???  Again, beyond stupid.  A 10-year-old child could successfully counter both of those arguments!…

Source: Terminal Stupidity! | Filosofa’s Word

Have A Summer Adventure! – “Amazon Rainforest Magic” y “La Magia de la Amazonia” et “La Magie de l’Amazonie”: Fantasy-Adventure books for children – …

For more Volume 1 details – in the USA, please click here: https://goo.GL/VmexDS Amazon Rainforest Magic: The adventures of Meromi, a Yanomami girl (…

Have A Summer Adventure! – “Amazon Rainforest Magic” y “La Magia de la Amazonia” et “La Magie de l’Amazonie”: Fantasy-Adventure books for children – …