The Book of Ichigo Ichie

October 21, 2019
Garcia and Miralles (Ikigai) deliver a hopeful and practical guide to relishing everyday experiences and living in the moment. The authors believe that, in an age of distraction, instant gratification, and superficial engagement, the Japanese concept of “ichigo ichie,” which roughly translates as “one time, one meeting/opportunity,” can help people to treasure individual moments. Every moment in one’s life, they write, deserves full attention. They recommend to first acknowledge opportunities, then to consider one’s passions: “discover something become passionate about and which also comes easily... then comes the most difficult part: setting aside other people’s demands to make room for passion.” The authors consider many moments in a typical day that deserve one’s attention, such as practicing meditation, reacting to an email, listening during a conversation, creating chance encounters by dining at an unknown restaurant, or cultivating one’s five senses (through simple actions such as having a mindful conversation over tea). Filled with anecdotes, parables, and lessons, this reassuring handbook will appeal to readers who enjoyed Euny Hong’s The Power of Nunchi.