Mogami’s Five Wellness Principles Explored
In this Japanese wellness deep-dive series, we explore each of Mogami's five Japanese wellness principles in depth. Today we are looking at Mushin 無心, the Japanese principle referring to absolute presence.
What is Mushin 無心 Presence?
Within Japanese wellness, a fascinating concept embodies the state of flow and presence—Mushin 無心. Rooted in Japanese traditional art forms such as calligraphy, tea ceremony, and martial arts, Mushin offers a profound perspective on achieving a focused, calm, and heightened state of being. In this blog, we will embark on a journey to unravel the essence of Mushin, exploring its principles and discovering how it connects us to the art of living in the present moment.
Understanding Mushin 無心
Mushin translates to "mind of no mind" or "empty heart" and refers to a state of mind where one is fully present and immersed in the current moment. It is a mental state characterized by a sense of flow, where the mind is free from distractions, thoughts, and attachments. In the practice of Japanese arts, Mushin is considered the ideal state for the creative process, allowing artists to express themselves effortlessly and connect with their innermost being.
Mushin Flow and Presence
At the heart of Mushin lies the concept of flow—the seamless merging of action and awareness. When we enter the state of Mushin, our focus intensifies, and time seems to dissolve as we become fully absorbed in the task at hand. In this state, our actions flow effortlessly, unhindered by self-consciousness or doubt. Mushin also cultivates a deep sense of presence, where past and future fade away, leaving only the richness of the present moment.
Mushin Flow and Japanese Traditional Arts
There are three traditional arts in Japan called the Dentou-Sando 伝統三道, which reflect the three art forms with over 2,000 years of history said to teach us how to live a more intentional life. These art forms are Sho-do (書道 Japanese Calligraphy), Sa-do (茶道 Japanese tea ceremony), and Ka-dou (花道 Japanese flower arrangements) which serve as pathways to experience Mushin. Through the disciplined practice of these arts, individuals learn to let go of ego-driven thoughts, fears, and distractions. By surrendering to the process and immersing themselves in the present moment, practitioners tap into the wellspring of creativity and clarity that Mushin offers.
Practical Applications of Mushin Flow
To cultivate Mushin in everyday life, we can:
Engage in mindful activities: Explore activities that bring you joy and captivate your attention, such as painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument. Allow yourself to be fully absorbed in the experience, letting go of self-judgment and expectations.
Practice meditation: Regular meditation practice can help calm the mind, enhance focus, and develop present-moment awareness. Set aside dedicated time each day to sit in stillness and observe your thoughts without attachment.
Cultivate awareness: Practice bringing your attention back to the present moment throughout the day. Notice the sensations of your body, the sights and sounds around you, and fully engage with the tasks you undertake.
Embrace simplicity: Simplify your surroundings and declutter your physical and mental space. Create an environment that supports mindfulness and allows for greater clarity and focus.
Seek out creativity: Whether it is a play, musical concert, or museum, find ways to add creative activities to your lifestyle. Creativity is an avenue to ignite the mushin state in each of us.
The Mogami 最上 Wrap-Up
Mushin opens the door to experiencing the beauty of flow and presence in our lives. By embracing the principles of Mushin through practising arts and incorporating mindfulness into our daily routines, we can tap into the inherent joy and creativity that lie within. Let us embark on this transformative journey of finding flow and presence, allowing Mushin to guide us towards a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.
Japan, as a country known for its longevity, offer concepts that can empower your wellbeing today. Mushin 無心 is very much part of it. At Mogami, we have five core Japanese wellness concepts that we focus on to understand this holistic wellbeing approach.
If you are curious to learn more about Mushin 無心 & Japanese wellness:
Subscribe to Mogami's Newsletter which includes our "Ikigai Spotlight Series", where we interview Japanese individuals on their Ikigai and provide exclusive early access to our content.
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About Saori Okada, Founder of Mogami 最上 Wellness
Saori Okada is the Founder of Mogami (最上), a Japanese wellness brand headquartered in London (U.K.). Saori's work focuses on "Mogami's wellness puzzle", which includes five core Japanese wellness centred around longevity, authenticity, and mindfulness. Mogami works with individuals and companies to strengthen their company's wellbeing from the inside out.
Saori received her B.S. in Commerce from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and her coaching training as a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach from the Institute of Transformational Nutrition. Saori also holds her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from PMI and is a 20-year student of Japanese calligraphy, given the calligraphy name Seisen (星洗). She is also the author of a narrative memoir titled "Until the Death of Me", where she bravely shares her eating disorder recovery journey. After a successful 7-year corporate career in media analytics in New York City and Toronto, Saori moved to London to start Mogami in August 2021.