Craft a Contented Life Under a Vanilla Sky
Part 4 of 5 exploring Ken Mogi’s five pillars of ikigai; “The joy of little things”
🌸 ikigai is a reason for being, your purpose - from the Japanese iki 生き meaning life and kai 甲斐 meaning worth 🌸
At risk of losing you before I even start, I LOVE the film Vanilla Sky.
I know I’m sometimes in the minority on this one, IMDb rating currently has it at 6.9/10.
I was 27 and renting my first home alone, well with my baby daughter aged 3 and a half. Life was pretty up and down at times, but that Spring I was full of the joys. I wrote about watching it for the first time in my blog on Sunday, March 16, 2003;
...Vanilla Sky, wow two nights in a row to see a top 5 worthy film..... my words are not good enough but it was for sure a work of art, in all its forms; painting, music, film, words, pictures, poetry...... a beautiful and insane and stressful and weird and futuristic and emotional film...... a key message for me in it was living life to the maximum, even if you make mistakes, every second is a second where you can change everything… today my friends I had a fabulous day, a day that if I never have another day like it will keep me smiling for eternity, yet I know I am lucky and will have many more, probably even better...... I truly know how lucky I am........ I will shut up now.
Not the most eloquent of reviews, but very heartfelt hehe. A quick search revealed several rewatches, and four years later a summary of the quotes that resonated for me;
Monday, April 09, 2007 ..under these beautiful Monet-like skies
I love Vanilla Sky a whole heap, it's in my top 5 favourite films ever, here are some quotes I particularly like:
:: Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.
:: Just remember, the sweet is never as sweet without the sour, and I know the sour.
:: What is any life without the pursuit of a dream?
:: But I just think good things will happen, if you are a good person with a good attitude, don't you think?
:: The little things... there's nothing bigger, is there?
:: I'll see you in another life... when we are both cats.
:: Open your eyes
Tom Cruise's character, David Aames, offers this tender truth;
"The little things... there's nothing bigger, is there?".
This isn't a fleeting line for me, it is a profound truth echoed in the Japanese philosophy of ikigai, particularly in its focus on the joy of small pleasures.
Understanding “the joy of little things”
The fourth pillar of ikigai focuses on appreciating the joy of little things. It's not about ignoring grand dreams, but about savouring the everyday moments that build a life of richness.
Neuroscientist Ken Mogi, author of "The Little Book of Ikigai" calls it "simple pleasures." It's that warm cup of coffee in the morning, the laughter shared with a friend, or the beauty of a blooming flower.
Here's why this matters; studies show that focusing on the positive, strengthens neural pathways, boosting happiness and resilience. Think of it like a gratitude muscle, the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.
I talked about Ken Mogi’s 5 pillars of ikigai in my Back to the Drawing Board post recently, each pillar providing a unique lens through which we can view our lives;
The Joy of Little Things (小さな喜び): Appreciating the joy that comes from the little things in life is vital. Practically, this means finding happiness in everyday activities and moments, like enjoying the beauty of nature, the taste of food, or the company of friends and family.
It is about appreciating these minute pleasures that often pass unnoticed but collectively enrich our lives immeasurably. It’s about finding satisfaction in the whisper of wind through the leaves, the warmth of sunlight on your face during a morning walk, or the comfort of a familiar song on the radio.
These moments, though fleeting, offer a profound sense of connection to the world around us.
Why the ‘Joy of Little Things’ Matters
Understanding the significance of these small joys isn't just philosophical, it's scientific.
Research consistently shows that focusing on the positive, the simple, and the present fortifies neural pathways, boosting both happiness and resilience.
Each moment of appreciation acts like a workout for your "gratitude muscle," making it stronger and more effective over time.
It's in these moments that life’s texture changes, becoming richer and more vivid.
People who engage in the appreciation of life’s small pleasures report higher levels of happiness and lower stress levels. A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that participants who practised gratitude and mindfulness showed a marked increase in well-being compared to those who did not.
Embracing these moments can also enhance our resilience by anchoring us during times of turmoil, providing a well of calmness and contentment to draw from.
Practical Ideas and Endorsements;
Mindful Eating: Renowned chef and mindfulness advocate Alice Waters once said, "Eating with intention and attention makes for a more satisfying meal." Try savouring each bite, noticing the textures and flavours, and you might find joy blooming in this everyday act.
Gratitude Journaling: Oprah Winfrey champions this practice, suggesting that writing down three things you are grateful for each day can significantly boost your happiness. This act of reflection brings the small wonders of your daily life into sharper focus.
Nature Walks: David Attenborough, the esteemed broadcaster and natural historian, often discusses the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. Regular walks in nature can help you notice the diversity and intricacy of life forms around you, fostering a deep-seated joy.
Artistic Expression: Maya Angelou spoke about creativity as a limitless form of expression. Whether it’s sketching, writing poetry, or dancing, engaging in creative activities can be a powerful way to celebrate the joy of creation.
Five Steps to Incorporate This Tiny Habit Into Your Life
To embrace ikigai, and enhance our lives, we can integrate simple, purposeful practices that honour the joy of the little things.
Set Daily Reminders: Use technology or sticky notes to remind yourself to pause and appreciate your surroundings. Consciously step away from digital screens to reconnect with the world around you. Whether it's a short walk without your phone or an hour spent reading a book, disconnecting helps you appreciate your environment and the people in it.
Create Rituals: Establish routines that involve savouring small moments, like drinking a cup of tea while watching the sunrise. Begin your day by identifying things you're grateful for. Cultivating gratitude from the moment you wake influences your perspective throughout the day.
Engage Your Senses: Make it a habit to pause throughout your day and actively engage your senses. Relish the taste of your lunch, absorb the colours of the sky at dusk, feel the texture of your clothes, or listen to the layers of sounds in a busy room. Each sensory experience anchors you in the moment and can be a source of joy.
Share Your Joys: Talk about these moments with friends or family, which can magnify your own pleasure. Creatively express this through writing, drawing or crafting. These activities can turn ordinary days into canvases for expression and joy.
Reflect Regularly: Spend time each day reflecting on what moments brought you joy, and consider how you can seek them out more often.
The Ripple Effect
By embracing the joy of the little things, we not only enrich our own lives but also influence those around us to notice and cherish these moments. This shared appreciation can create a ripple effect, enhancing community well-being and connectedness.
By weaving these practices into the fabric of our daily lives, we not only cultivate a deeper sense of joy but also build resilience against life’s inevitable stresses.
The philosophy of ikigai is not a quick fix but a lifelong journey that gradually shapes our existence into one of purpose, happiness, and fulfilment.
Let's not underestimate the power of the little things, for as we've seen both on screen and in the pages of philosophical texts, there truly is nothing bigger.
As you go about your day, I invite you to pause and reflect: what small joy can you savour right now?
Share your moments with us, and together, let's inspire a wave of appreciation for the simple joys that make life truly worth living.
Sarah, seeking ikigai xxx
PS: Soundtrack for today’s journey;
PPS ikigai isn't a destination; it's a journey. By finding joy in the little things, you pave the way for a life filled with purpose and happiness.
So, what small joy will you savour today? Share your experience in the comments and inspire others!