Even from little of what I know and read, I am still led to believe the Japanese mindset is one exemplary example of true level-headedness.
On the subject of avoiding mental torment over some life posers, for instance, they have this premise which they call Shikata Ga Nai, roughly translated as “there’s nothing we can do, (so move on). ” Of course, this is likewise common among other cultures.
What first comes to mind are the English and Spanish sayings of “It is what it is” and “Que sera, sera.”
However, theirs (the Japanese’) goes beyond mere phrases and seeps much deeper into general attitude and finally aligns itself as part of their culture.
It’s also akin to “No use crying over spilt milk,” as the West likes to say and yet truth is, actually moving on from the uncertainty of not having something go one’s way, still leads to mental hang-ups.
As such, the intent of trying to move forward past a detriment is much easier said than done. A token whistling the dark.
At first glance, Shikata… and its cohorts might sound like a defeatist viewpoint.
On the contrary, while they may initially appear to be an unlikely form of coping mechanism, they, in fact, offer to pave in the mind a way at guiding it towards a shifting of our energies elsewhere, most especially toward a more positive or manageable outlook. The option to either do this or not falls into opinion.
On the whole, both the realization and the acceptance that there are some things beyond our control are, in reality, actions of “mindful letting go.” They do not imply we are negatively surrendering to fate.
Moving on from this, it is quite common nowadays to constantly witness a “whine and moan” temperament among people. This vocal gesture at openly crying out to the heavens is descriptive of a lack in turning to positive alternatives.
For every action, an opposite reaction, someone had said. Again, positive or negative, these reactions may be, they’re all nothing but a matter of opinion.
In the end, you have to ask, what is the worth of all these, a serene outcome or more troubles ahead?
