Embracing Gratitude: Learning from Japanese Simplicity

While watching a Japanese TV show I noted that every time someone sat down for a meal they would say, "Thank you for this food" before eating. I thought it was a beautiful way to acknowledge, and pay respect to, the gifts from nature we all receive with everything we do.

In our fast-paced, consumption-driven Western world, it's easy to lose sight of the simple act of gratitude. It is a lesson that the Japanese have long embraced. 

In Japan, saying "I humbly receive this meal", or “itadakimasu” in Japanese, before a meal is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the countless hands that contributed to that food, and a recognition of, and respect for, nature’s bounty.

The origin of this phrase can be traced back to Buddhism around the 6th century in Japan.

In Buddhism, everything including animals and nature are considered equal to people and respected.

This expression of gratitude reminds us of our connection to nature, and each other, and the importance of respecting every element of the life force that nourishes us.

Unlike the West, where consumerism leads us to treat resources as disposable and nature as an endless commodity, the Japanese approach is all about reverence. It’s a call back to appreciating everything from the earth’s yield to the skill and care of those who prepare our meals. 

This simple practice isn't just about eating—it’s about reconnecting with the cycle of life and acknowledging our role within it.

So how can we incorporate this kind of gratitude into our everyday lives? Here are a few suggestions:

Mindful Eating: Before you begin your meal, take a moment to reflect on the journey of your food. Think about the farmers, the hands that picked and prepared it, the bees that pollinated it, and the land that nurtured it. This is a great way to be mindful about eating, and making sure to be present during the meal.

Nature Walks: Spend time in nature regularly. Observing the rhythms and beauty of the natural world can instill a deeper appreciation for your environment, and a recognition of how you are dependent on it for everything.

Slow Down: In a world that glorifies speed and efficiency, go against the grain and integrate moments of pause. Whether it’s during your morning beverage or an evening walk, allow yourself some quiet time for reflection.

Gratitude Rituals: Create your own simple rituals of thanks. It might be a few quiet words before meals, a journal dedicated to noting daily gratitudes, or simply taking a moment to acknowledge the natural beauty around you.

Support Nature-Friendly Practices:

Embrace products and practices that respect nature. By supporting local nature-friendly businesses and agriculture, you help reduce the disconnect between consumption and nature’s rhythms.

By learning from the respectful simplicity of Japanese culture, we can begin to undo the disconnect that modern consumerism has fostered. 

Every small act of gratitude reaffirms our bond with nature and helps pave the way towards a more respectful, fulfilling way of living. 

Remember, every meal, every moment we receive another gift from nature, is an opportunity to express thanks for the abundance that surrounds us.

Thank you for this life.