The Book of Ichigo Ichie

It's probably too late for me to start learning Japanese, but it's at the top of my list if I end up in Language School in heaven.

I'm fascinated with languages. I'm especially fascinated with words in languages that do not appear to have a good equivalent in English.

One of these words is ichigo ichie.

I ran across ichigo ichie last week in a book called, appropriately, The Book of Ichigo Ichie. I'm fascinated with ideas about happiness, and ichigo ichie is a word that centers on happiness. It is a Japanese word that means the art of making the most of every moment, and that's what this little book is all about.

The authors begin by reminding us that life is impermanent. My wonderful friend Diana passed away this week. She was my age. I know that life is impermanent.

The authors share the secrets they have found for making the most of every moment from the Japanese—paying attention...listening...looking...touching...tasting...smelling...returning to now...being mindful...slowing down.

Here I go. I'm making the most of every moment. Starting now.