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Today I’m sharing 10 Japanese Concepts to Improve Your Life… and how they can be applied to your blog writing, presence, and branding.
I’ve been a bit MIA from my blog this month. This is due to a variety of factors, including spending time with my family, studying, and a lack of inspiration. This month I’ve been taking some time out and reading several inspiring books, which have really helped me. Sometimes you just need a break for mental health!
One of the books I’ve been reading is Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki. It’s amazing. One of the parts of Enchantment that really stood out to me was a list of 10 Japanese aesthetic principles.
These aesthetic principles originate from Garr Reynold’s book Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentation.
I’m writing about these 10 Japanese concepts today, and how they can improve your life. I’ve also brainstormed some ideas about how to put them in practice, because I think they’re incredibly useful when it comes to both ‘real life’ and blogging.
If you’re feeling a bit uninspired or unmotivated like me recently, maybe these will help you. I’ve written all of these out in my Bullet Journal so that I can remind myself whenever I need to.
10 Japanese Concepts to Improve Your Life… and Your Blog!
Kanso
Eliminate clutter and express things simply.
How to apply this to your life:
Get organised! It’s essential.
I’m one of those people who finds this a challenge. I typically have scattered notebooks, planners, calendars, to-do lists, and random scraps of paper all over my desk. This is bad. When it comes to studying or blogging, a clutter-free and organised desk is ideal.
I’ve found that starting a Bullet Journal has been helpful for keeping everything organised in one place.
I also make sure to clear out my Macbook once in a while, I end up with so many unnecessary files on there.
For your blog: Make sure to reduce the clutter on your blog sidebar or footer! Work through your draft blog posts.
Fukinsei
Use asymmetry / irregularity to achieve balance.
How to apply this to your life:
Don’t be afraid to utilise asymmetry or irregularity! This can work for interior design, fashion, and photography for example. I like to use the rule of thirds in my blog photographs.
Read more about my photography and editing tips.
Shibui
Understanding and not elaborating on things.
How to apply this to your life:
Remember that less is more!
When writing my university essays and blog posts, I often find myself rambling! I always need to remind myself to be more concise. Proofreading helps me with this.
Shizen
Depicting naturalness with the absence of pretence or artificiality.
How to apply this to your life:
I don’t know about you, but my favourite YouTubers and Bloggers are the ones who come across as authentic. They often share the ‘messy’ and imperfect parts of their lives.
Remember that no one is perfect, so you don’t need to edit yourself to perfection. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not!
Yugen
Use subtle and symbolic suggestion rather than obviousness.
How to apply this to your life:
Sometimes we don’t have to be so explicit. Subtlety can work so well!
People often don’t like to be told what to do. If you’re trying to sell a product, suggest how it could improve someone’s life rather than outright telling them to buy it.
Datsuzoku
Transcending habit, formula, and conventionality.
How to apply this to your life:
This one probably resonates with me the most. I get so bored and uncomfortable when I end up in a routine. Don’t be conventional!
I love being spontaneous, and it definitely helps with creativity and inspiration. Try new things! Experiment with different ways of presenting your blog posts, taking photos, or even an entirely different platform.
Seijaku
Achieving a state of tranquility and energized calm.
How to apply this to your life:
Doesn’t the phrase energized calm sound so perfect? I need to work on achieving that!
As for blogging, make sure your blog isn’t overwhelming. Too many different fonts or colours can be very jarring. Simplicity and white space will make it more calming and tranquil.
Wa
Embodying harmony and balance, avoiding self-assertion.
How to apply this to your life:
Be appreciative of what you have! Work hard on your blog or YouTube channel, without expecting to be the next Zoella or James Clear. No one likes arrogance. I personally like to celebrate the ‘little wins’, like receiving a kind comment, small social media milestones, or a retweet from someone I admire.
Ma
An emptiness, spatial void or silence to provide a focal point.
How to apply this to your life:
Try to be more minimalist in your home decorating style. Try meditation, and make sure to ‘switch off’ from the internet and technology every once in a while. Utilise white space in your work, presentations, photography, and blog design.
Yohaku-no-bi
Appreciating the beauty of what is implied, understated and unexpressed.
How to apply this to your life:
Don’t try too hard to impress people and show off all of your skills at once. I’m guilty of over-doing it sometimes, especially when it comes to editing photos and making university presentations. The simplest blog post ideas or Instagram pictures can often work better!
That concludes 10 Japanese Concepts to Improve Your Life and how to apply them to your blog and social media presence! Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki is a brilliant book, I really recommend reading it.
Have you heard of these Japanese concepts before? Would you use them to improve your life?
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This was such an informative and interesting post! I learnt so much! Thank you for sharing!! Xx
Thrifty vintage fashion
I love this post, the whole idea is just lovely! I’m loving Kanso at the moment, I’ve been having a huge de-clutter and I feel so much better for it ♥
Jess xo | The Indigo Hours
Wow, this is so beautifully written. I love different cultures, constantly wanting to learn more. It;s amazing how just one word can mean so much. It’s really simple love!!
Corsica
Thank-you so much! I love different cultures too, it’s so interesting to find out about their ideas.