Welcome to this blog post exploring 5 different mindsets that have the power to transform the way we see the world and live our lives. In this lecture, you will learn about Wabi-Sabi, Minimalism, Lagom, Hygge, and Ikigai - a mindset of contentment that enables you to live a fulfilled life by embracing change and finding meaning in everyday events

You also can watch my YouTube video about 5 inspiring philosophies:

Here are 5 philosophies from different countries that have been improving the lives of people around the world for already hundreds of years:

Wabi-sabi is a term of Japanese aesthetics, that says that the pursuit of perfectionism is just an illusion, and that beauty comes from ordinary, aged, and even broken things. I think we all can relate to this attitude toward our world and our lives. We are getting older every day and nobody is perfect.

And Wabi-sabi helps us to accept people, accept ourselves, and see meaning in imperfections and naturalness - as they exist in this world. I believe these concepts are universal and can be applied to all life aspects - not only design or architecture but also to relationships with ourselves.

I really like that it can be applied to all aspects of life. Not only design or architecture or everyday life, but also to relate to ourselves. We are all getting older and it’s a natural process. We are not perfect, and Wabi-sabi helps us accept ourselves, accept our bodies, and this world with its imperfections, and see meaning and aesthetics in them. It helps people admire the world by admiring its naturalness.

There are even books about it such as Wabi Sabi.

There are even books about Wabi Sabi:

• Wabi Sabi Welcome, Julie Pointer Adams
• Wabi Sabi. Japanese secrets of true happiness in an imperfect world, Kempton Bet

Lagom is a Swedish word that describes moderation, a sense of balance. It can be applied to everything from choosing food to furnishing an apartment. A popular practice is to "eat according to your hunger" in order to avoid overeating or undereating. The concept also applies to one's spending by finding clothing that fits appropriately as opposed to fashionable but excessively expensive items.

Lagom lets you have just the right amount of everything. Lagom is Swedish for "just enough" or "in moderation," and it's an attitude toward life that helps ease the worries and stresses of daily life, while still allowing us to honor our passions and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Lagom includes guidelines for making better decisions, cultivating a more sustainable lifestyle, avoiding burnout while working hard, and more.

BOOK

• Lagom. Swedish secrets to a happy life. Author: Elizabeth Carlson

For those who are new to my channel - I lived for 3 years in Denmark and was very imbued with Danish culture. Hygge is an integral part of it. According to opinion polls, the Danes are among the happiest people in the world every year.

It would seem that the Danes do not have many reasons for joy: the harsh climate, short daylight hours, high prices, and huge taxes. But hygiene is one of those things that help Danes enjoy life. Hygge is the ability to appreciate the ordinary pleasures of life and enjoy the moment. The philosophy of hygiene fits into a few simple rules that allow the Danes to feel comfortable and happy.

BOOK

• Hygge. The Secret of Danish Happiness, Meik Wiking

This will help you discover the wonderful world of a feeling that people in Denmark know so well and share with others from around the world.

Finding what gives you a sense of purpose and joy is something we all aspire to do. Japanese have a word for it, ikigai, which roughly translates to ‘source of meaning’. In a nutshell, it’s about finding the thing that makes you happy.

This can be achieved by asking yourself four questions:

• What are your passions?
• Can you find a way to transform them into a career?
• Are there people who need your services more than they need anything else?
• Can you make money out of it?

If the answer is yes, then you probably have found your calling!

BOOKS

• Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Hector Garcia and F. Miralles

Two authors went to the islands of Okinawa where they did a little research on how ikigai in this region contributes to longevity. Okinawans are known for their longevity. There are five times more centenarians in Okinawa than in the rest of Japan and 100 times more than on planet Earth. Possible explanations are Okinawan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, caring community, and activity and ikigai. If you are interested, I can make a video with interesting facts from this book.

• The Little Book of Ikigai. Ken Mogi

This book gives examples of different people who, in spite of everything, are completely devoted to their favorite business.

Minimalism is a philosophical and aesthetic concept, whose followers claim that men should try to get rid of unnecessary things in their lives to focus more on the skills and abilities that really matter. An important part of this approach is a desire to get rid of any unnecessary clutter and things that cause comfort in your house – this way you will be able to fully enjoy the goods and services you have.

• Give up gossip and gossip
• Take responsibility for your thoughts, and try to think in a positive way
• Focus on your goals and values and cut out distractions and superfluous things
• Reduce the number of things
• If you are buying a new thing, let it be not only a beautiful but a functional and high-quality item
• Look for handmade items, visit fairs, and meet new artists and designers
• Do not clutter your home
• Be simple
• For every new item - get rid of two old ones

BOOK

• Goodbye things! New Japanese minimalism, Fumio Sasaki

Thank you so much for reading this blog post! I hope you had a moment of inspiration!

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch my new videos. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram @arina.voy for more inspiring content.

See you next time,
Arina