Resolutions Into the New Year

I was recently lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit a friend who was living in Japan temporarily. I spent four and a half days in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan is a fantastic country with unique and beautiful architecture, food, innovation, heritage, and people. Japan was never on my radar to visit, despite being a travel junkie. I submerged myself entirely in their culture, not knowing what to expect. From this open-minded 

Tracee Dahm

perspective, I learned so much about the Japanese, and I think you may agree with a few things that stood out. If we all gave them some thought, it might bring us some resolutions into the New Year.

​Peace: Fosters calmness and reduces stress, promoting well-being. Shrines, gardens, and temples are found frequently throughout the land. Many Japanese come to pay their respects to divine spirits. These sacred spaces offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing opportunities for reflection, meditation, and connection with the divine. Visiting these places allows individuals to momentarily step away from their stresses and immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of nature and spirituality.

Zen: Encourages living in the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future and regrets about the past. The Japanese culture is very aware of how solitude can benefit the soul. We all need time to recharge from our busy days. In Japan, talking out loud in large community-like settings such as the subways, buses, or shrines is frowned upon. I often found myself fully able to experience my emotions in Japan because it was so quiet when I was sightseeing. The minute I arrived back at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, I was very aware of how loud the American culture is compared to Japan, and I was a little bummed because I felt like the noise was stealing my experience of the airport.  In such serene environments, we can be more in tune with ourselves, unburdened by the constant noise that often surrounds us in busier, louder places.

Harmony: Promotes cooperation and community, helping build strong and supportive relationships. Japan also offers very few public trash receptacles. The idea is that if one makes any trash, they must carry it back to their house and throw it away there. Because of this, the Japanese find it essential to mitigate what trash they produce.  This collective practice not only reduces litter but also fosters a sense of personal accountability and environmental consciousness.

Reflection: Assessing past actions and outcomes offers opportunities for self-improvement and growth. The Japanese believe in respecting their elders because they can provide so much wisdom from the life they have lived. This respect honors their contributions and strengthens intergenerational bonds, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Vision: Focusing on setting goals and having a clear direction provides motivation and purpose. The Japanese are a very confident culture. Japanese men, women, and children all take the time to set a good first impression regarding their homes, food, and appearance. The fashion, food presentation, and landscapes were so detailed that throughout my trip, I could not decide where to look first. If you go to Japan, you will have trouble deciding whether to look at food plates, Japanese gardens, or the latest fashion trends.

Mindfulness: Encourages awareness of the present, enhancing appreciation for everyday moments. Standard Japanese greetings include removing your shoes when entering sacred or important places and bowing when greeting someone. Removing shoes before entering sacred or essential places, such as temples or someone's home, symbolizes leaving behind the outside world and stepping into a space of cleanliness and respect. It also demonstrates awareness and consideration for others. Bowing is another significant gesture in Japan, used in various contexts to convey greetings, gratitude, apologies, and respect. The depth and duration of the bow can indicate the level of respect or formality of the interaction.
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​Traveling, especially overseas, is not for everyone. No matter where they are, I still think anyone can take these critical character traits and use them in their everyday lives.
Incorporating these values into the new year can bring profound changes:
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• ​Mindful Meditation/Prayer: Dedicate daily meditation time, focusing on your breath and the present moment.
• Gratitude Journaling: Reflect on positive experiences daily, fostering a sense of contentment and appreciation.
• Setting Intentions: Establish clear, achievable goals that align with your values and vision for the future.
• Practicing Kindness: Engage in acts of kindness, promoting harmony and positive relationships.
• Routine Reflection: Regularly assess your actions and progress, adapting as needed for continuous improvement

​By integrating these principles, you can cultivate a more peaceful, harmonious, and fulfilling life throughout 2025. I would love to know if anyone has any other ideas for incorporating values into the new year. I cannot wait to swap stories with anyone in our congregation who is of Japanese heritage or has also been lucky enough to travel to Japan.

O-Genki De (all the best), Tracee