Podcast Summary
Nikon: A Japanese Practice of Self-Reflection Rooted in Dependence on Others: Nikon is a Japanese self-reflection practice that acknowledges our dependence on others and the world for change. It consists of three incisive questions to gain deeper self-awareness and clarity on personal growth.
Nikon is a Japanese method of self-reflection developed by Yoshimoto Ishin, rooted in the concept of Tariiki or "other power." Unlike the self-power focus in personal development, Nikon acknowledges our dependence on others and the world for change. This year-end reflection practice, preceded by the ancient tradition of Mishirabe, consists of three incisive questions to help individuals gain deeper self-awareness and clarity on how they show up in the world. Listen to the episode with Greg Creech for a more in-depth understanding of Nikon and how to incorporate it into your daily routine for a fruitful and potentially life-changing self-reflection experience.
Exploring Morita Therapy and Nikon self-reflection for personal growth: Morita Therapy and Nikon self-reflection offer unique yet complementary tools for personal growth. Morita Therapy emphasizes action, while Nikon encourages introspection. Together, they help us understand ourselves and others better, strengthen relationships, and improve communication.
Morita Therapy and Nikon self-reflection practice offer valuable tools for overcoming psychological obstacles to productivity and achieving our goals. Morita Therapy, rooted in Zen Buddhism, focuses on action, while Nikon self-reflection encourages introspection to better understand others' perspectives. Together, they provide a balanced approach to personal growth. Nikon self-reflection, likened to a mirror, helps us see ourselves and our impact on others more clearly. It reveals how our actions may cause inconvenience or trouble, often overlooked in our self-focus. By considering others' perspectives, we can strengthen relationships and improve communication. Historically, Morita Therapy and Nikon have distinct origins, but their synergy offers a powerful combination for personal development. Embrace both the action-oriented and reflective aspects of life to live more effectively and foster deeper connections with others.
Shift focus from complaints to appreciation: Practice self-reflection to cultivate gratitude and appreciate the good in our lives, even during challenges
Self-reflection, as practiced through the Nikon self-reflection icon, encourages shifting focus from complaining about others' actions to recognizing and appreciating the good in our own lives. By asking "what have I received from..." instead of focusing on complaints, we can cultivate gratitude and develop a more complete understanding of our experiences. This practice can lead to a more authentic sense of appreciation for life, even amidst challenges and difficulties. It's not about changing our thinking, but rather where we place our attention. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can paint a more positive experience of reality. The Nikon self-reflection icon, with its three questions, invites us to go deep in our self-exploration and cultivate a greater sense of appreciation for the gifts in our lives.
Noticing and remembering problems (Velcro) vs. the things that support us (Teflon): Reflecting on what we receive each day, whether from people, organizations, or the universe, can help expand our awareness and appreciation for the world around us. This practice, known as 'reality-based therapies', encourages focusing on objective facts rather than feelings to recognize and appreciate the abundance in our lives.
We often overlook the many things we receive and are grateful for in our lives due to our brain's natural tendency to focus on problems and challenges. This phenomenon can be compared to Velcro and Teflon. We notice and remember problems (Velcro), but the things that support and care for us (Teflon) tend to slip away unnoticed. Reflecting on the question of what we receive each day, whether it be from people, organizations, or the universe itself, can help expand our awareness and appreciation for the world around us. This practice, known as "reality-based therapies" like Merida therapy and Niksen, encourages us to focus on objective facts rather than feelings. It's important to remember that these facts remain whether we feel grateful for them or not. The way to reflect on this question can vary, from focusing on general things received each day to directing it towards a specific person or relationship. Taking the time to reflect on this question can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing self-pity or depression, as it allows us to recognize and appreciate the abundance in our lives.
Shift focus from complaints to gratitude: Practice appreciation and reflection to strengthen relationships and appreciate the world around us
Practicing appreciation and reflection in relationships, whether intimate or transactional, can help shift the focus from complaints to a genuine sense of gratitude. This simple exercise involves taking a few minutes to list the things one has received from the other person or people involved, and recognizing the vast network of support that makes everyday experiences possible. By focusing on the objective reality of what we've received, rather than what we may be lacking or disappointed by, we allow gratitude to arise naturally. This practice not only strengthens relationships but also helps us appreciate the world around us and the people who contribute to our lives in countless ways.
Reflect on what you've received and given daily: Practicing daily reflection on gifts received and given fosters gratitude, builds stronger relationships, and creates a more mindful existence.
Practicing daily reflection on the things we've received and given can bring meaningful connections and memories to our lives. The first question, "What have I received?" encourages us to recognize and appreciate the gifts, both tangible and intangible, that come our way from others. The second question, "What have I given?" is the reverse, helping us acknowledge the value of our own contributions and express gratitude. These practices, inspired by Niksen and the 12-step program, can lead to a deeper sense of connection and fulfillment. By taking time to reflect on these questions, we can foster gratitude, build stronger relationships, and create a more mindful and meaningful existence.
Reflecting on our giving and receiving in relationships: Through self-reflection, we can gain insights about our behaviors and motivations in our relationships and seek opportunities to give back and contribute more to others and the world.
Reflecting on what we have received and given in our relationships, as suggested by the questions posed by Yoshimoto Ishin, can provide a deeper understanding of the balance or imbalance in our giving and receiving. This exercise, which can be applied to various aspects of our lives, including personal relationships and interactions with the world around us, can lead to insights about our own behaviors and motivations. The realization that we may have received more than we have given in certain relationships can evoke feelings of gratitude and a desire to give back or contribute more to others and to the world. The article "Try Giving Yourself Away" from the 1940s echoes this idea, encouraging individuals to seek opportunities to give and make a positive impact on others' lives. Overall, this reflection can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and connection with the world around us.
Reflecting on Interdependence and Connections: Reflecting on our relationships and the interdependence of all things can lead to increased awareness, appreciation, and fulfillment through small acts of kindness and gratitude (Niksen therapy).
Interdependence is a fundamental principle in our relationships with others and the world around us. Even in our attempts to give or help, we are reliant on the support and resources of others. Reflecting on what we have received and given, as well as the troubles and difficulties we may have caused, can lead to increased awareness and appreciation for the intricacies of our connections. This process, known as Niksen therapy, encourages small acts of kindness and gratitude, and can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy. By recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, we can foster a more compassionate and mindful approach to life.
Reflecting on our actions' impact on others: Honest reflection on our actions can lead to personal growth, empathy, and reduced negative behaviors.
Reflecting on the difficulties and inconvenience we cause to others can lead to significant personal growth and reduction in negative behaviors. This practice, known as Nikon reflection, was shown to reduce recidivism rates in Japanese prisons and help alcoholics change their habits. By being honest and open to our actions and their impact on others, we can develop empathy and make amends, leading to a more conscious and fulfilling life. It's important to remember that we all cause inconvenience, and focusing on others' faults while overlooking our own can hinder our personal growth.
Reflecting on the positive aspects of our lives: Acknowledging and appreciating the good helps foster empathy, compassion, and healthy relationships. Reflecting on personal growth and improving how we treat others is essential.
Focusing on the negative aspects of our lives and complaining about them is a common social experience, but it's important to also acknowledge and appreciate the positive things. This question, "What's going well?" helps us see ourselves from others' perspectives, fostering empathy, compassion, and healthy relationships. However, it's crucial not to use this exercise for self-loathing or guilt, but rather as feedback for personal growth and improving how we treat others. Successful people can also benefit from reflecting on how they've caused trouble and difficulty, as it's a humbling experience that keeps them grounded and prevents arrogance.
Reflecting on the Past Year and Setting Intentions: Dedicate time daily for self-reflection using methods like Nikon reflection questions and set aside time on New Year's Eve for deeper reflection to gain valuable insights and inform actions moving forward.
Self-reflection is an essential practice that can bring balance to our busy lives. It's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others and being passive instead of reflective. By dedicating time each day for self-reflection using methods like the Nikon reflection questions, we can gain valuable insights and inform our actions moving forward. The new year is a perfect time for a deeper reflection on the past year and setting intentions for the year ahead. Consider setting aside time on New Year's Eve for quiet reflection and downloading the Guide to New Year's Reflection for additional guidance. Remember, self-reflection is not a luxury but a necessity for living a balanced and intentional life.
Reflecting on the Positives of 2020: Despite challenges, find joy and meaning in 2020 experiences to redirect energy towards fulfilling goals for the new year.
Despite the challenges and hardships of 2020, it's important to reflect on the year and find the positive moments and experiences that brought joy and meaning. This reflective process can help provide a more balanced perspective and guide the setting of goals for the new year. By focusing on what will give our lives meaning and importance, we can redirect our energy towards achieving those things. The practice of reflection and contemplation is a natural process that can lead to the redirection of our energy and goals. For those interested in exploring alternative approaches to Western psychology, there are resources available at 30000days.org, including a New Year's booklet that can provide guidance and support. Eastern wisdom can offer valuable insights in the area of psychology, and it's worth considering for those inclined towards it.
