by Gene Crawford | Aug 21, 2023 | Blog
In the realm of aesthetic philosophy, a captivating concept emerges from the heart of Japan – Wabi-Sabi. This intriguing philosophy extols the virtues of simplicity, authenticity, and the allure of imperfections found in nature. With an innate appreciation for the incomplete, the impermanent, and the weathered, Wabi-Sabi unveils a profound perspective on the world.
Discovering Wabi and Sabi: An Aesthetic Journey
Wabi: The Elegance of Rustic Simplicity
At the core of Wabi-Sabi lies wabi, a term encapsulating the charm of rustic simplicity and unadulterated naturalness. Rooted in understated elegance, wabi celebrates the beauty found within the modest and unassuming facets of life. It is an ode to the allure of the ordinary, to the elegance that flourishes in the mundane and everyday.
Sabi: The Allure of Aged Beauty
Contrastingly, sabi beckons the allure of aged beauty, paying homage to items that bear the marks of time’s passage. It’s a tribute to the history etched in worn and weathered objects, invoking a sense of nostalgia and serene tranquility. Sabi embraces the beauty of the imperfect and the ephemeral, drawing strength from the acceptance of life’s transient nature.
The Harmony of Wabi-Sabi: Embracing Life’s Imperfections
The synergy of wabi and sabi crafts a worldview that embraces life’s transient essence and the intrinsic beauty within its imperfections. This philosophy invites us to perceive the world with fresh eyes, relishing the elegance of the natural and the charm of the imperfect. It inspires us to unravel the hidden allure in things not considered perfect, and to embrace the continual ebb and flow of time.
Wabi-Sabi Beyond Aesthetics: A Life’s Lesson
Transcending Aesthetics: A Guide to Embracing Imperfection
The teachings of Wabi-Sabi transcend the realm of aesthetics and offer poignant life lessons. By imbibing its principles, we cultivate an appreciation for the beauty concealed within imperfections. Wabi-Sabi encourages us to release the notion that perfection is requisite for beauty and value. Instead, it celebrates the distinct characteristics and qualities that make each object unique, irrespective of societal standards.
The Elegance of Impermanence: Finding Beauty in Change
Furthermore, Wabi-Sabi urges us to acknowledge the transitory nature of existence, compelling us to recognize the elegance in the ceaseless passage of time and its transformations. This perspective fosters a mindfulness of the present, inviting us to treasure the current moment rather than fixating on the past or apprehending the future.
Elevating Well-Being: The Liberating Power of Wabi-Sabi
Alleviating Stress and Cultivating Peace
In a world that often demands perfection and control, Wabi-Sabi serves as a soothing balm for stress and anxiety. It reminds us that not everything can be controlled and that mistakes are part of growth. This philosophy encourages self-acceptance and a harmonious relationship with our surroundings, prompting us to embrace life’s imperfections and unearth tranquility within them.
The Path to Serenity: Wabi-Sabi’s Enduring Legacy
Wabi-Sabi holds the key to unlocking serenity in embracing imperfection. Through its lens, we learn to cherish the distinctive beauty within imperfections, embrace life’s impermanence, and bask in the present moment. By releasing the pursuit of perfection and relinquishing the desire for control, we embark on a journey towards tranquility, self-acceptance, and a profound understanding of life’s intricate tapestry.
by Gene Crawford | May 8, 2023 | Blog
At some point in life, we have all experienced failure. It is a natural part of the human experience, and it is how we react to failure that sets us apart. Some people let failure defeat them, while others use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. The Japanese proverb, “fall down seven times, get up eight,” encapsulates this idea perfectly. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this saying and how we can apply it in our own lives.
The Meaning Behind the Saying
The saying “fall down seven times, get up eight” comes from the Japanese proverb, “Nana korobi yaoki.” It is often used to describe resilience, perseverance, and determination in the face of adversity. The idea behind the saying is that no matter how many times we fall or fail, we must always get back up and keep trying. It emphasizes the importance of persistence and never giving up.
The Importance of Resilience
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to overcome obstacles and challenges, and to keep moving forward. It is an essential skill to have in life, as we will all face setbacks and failures at some point. Resilience allows us to adapt to change, cope with stress, and thrive in the face of adversity.
The Benefits of Perseverance
Perseverance is another crucial component of the “fall down seven times, get up eight” mentality. Perseverance is the act of persisting in the face of adversity, despite setbacks, obstacles, or discouragement. It is the ability to keep going even when things get tough, to stay focused on our goals, and to never give up.
The benefits of perseverance are numerous. It helps us develop resilience, builds self-confidence, and fosters a growth mindset. Perseverance also allows us to learn from our mistakes and failures, to develop new skills, and to improve our performance over time.
Applying the “Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight” Mentality in Our Lives
So, how can we apply the “fall down seven times, get up eight” mentality in our own lives? Here are a few tips:
1. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Instead of viewing failure as a setback, try to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” Use failure as a chance to reflect on your actions, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your approach for next time.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Setting goals that are too lofty or unrealistic can set us up for failure. Instead, set goals that are challenging yet achievable. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps, and celebrate each small victory along the way.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
Being kind to ourselves, especially in the face of failure, is essential. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would extend to a friend. Remember that failure does not define you, and that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Having a support system of positive influences can help us maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated. Seek out people who inspire and motivate you, and who will encourage you to keep going even when things get tough.
5. Stay Focused on Your Why
Finally, staying focused on your why – your purpose, your values, and your goals – can help you maintain perspective and stay motivated. When things get tough, remind yourself why you started in the first place, and keep pushing forward.
by Gene Crawford | Apr 2, 2023 | Podcast
In this episode, Gene goes on a solo debrief and talks about some thoughts that have been on his mind. He discusses the reasons why people of like mind tend to use the word “extreme” and talks about his personal experience with personal training adventures. He also reflects on the negative comments people leave on videos of individuals engaging in extreme physical activities, and how these comments reflect where we are as a society. He shares his belief that physical, mental, and spiritual growth should not be separated, and how he finds it important to push his personal limits to raise his own personal standards. Gene also talks about the importance of service and how it ties into your personal growth.
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by Gene Crawford | Mar 24, 2023 | Podcast
Aaron finally showed up for a show! We’re going to talk about 10-ish ways people can improve themselves and achieve personal growth, such as managing expectations, starting small, practicing gratitude, being kind to oneself, avoiding over-analysis, valuing personal opinions over others’, and setting realistic expectations. By recognizing these issues and working to develop healthier habits, individuals can achieve greater personal growth. You may be your own worst enemy, with habits such as over-analyzing, taking things for granted, and valuing others’ opinions over their own.
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by Gene Crawford | Mar 20, 2023 | Podcast
Fiona joins me a discussion on “The Four Agreements” a book that offers practical guidance for personal freedom and self-mastery through four key principles rooted in ancient Toltec wisdom. The principles include being impeccable with our word, not taking anything personally, not making assumptions, and always doing our best. Following these principles can lead to more fulfilling and harmonious relationships with ourselves and others. The book emphasizes the power of our words, self-awareness, non-judgment, and acceptance.
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