Finding Focus in a World of Distraction
Some of you have asked what I am listening to on this sunny Seattle January day.
And what I am reading.
And watching.
Thank you for asking.
Ultimately, I’ll turn to what I am doing: decluttering.
What I’m Listening To
My interests are eclectic.
You may already know I am working through the Bach Preludes and Fugues.
Today, a simple piece is on my agenda: Béla Bartók’s “For Children” by my favorite — Hungarian-born British classical pianist András Schiff.
Pure, simple joy.
“There are few artists who can play the classics from Bach to Brahms and Bartók with anything like comparable mastery. And fewer still who can speak about music from such a depth of knowledge and experience and with such an obvious love for communicating the joy of music.”
What I’m Watching
I’m watching A Life (愛しき人) on Netflix in Japanese (with subtitles).
Ten years ago, a promising young doctor named Okita Kazuaki was driven out of his hospital and forced to abandon his budding career in Japan.
Leaving behind his girlfriend, Danjo Mifuyu, he sought refuge and opportunity in the United States. A decade later, he returned as a renowned surgeon, his skills honed and his reputation preceding him.
A noble mission prompts his return: to save the life of his former mentor, who also happens to be Mifuyu’s father.
But the hospital he left behind has changed.
Mifuyu, heartbroken by his sudden departure, has married his once-trusted friend, Masao.
This friend, now the deputy director poised to inherit the hospital, orchestrated Okita’s downfall years ago.
Thus far, I have enjoyed watching the excellent acting of the enormously popular idol Takuya Kimura.
What I’m Doing
“Own less stuff. Enjoy more freedom. It really is that simple.”
― Joshua Becker.
Decluttering.
A forerunner to the better-known Marie Kondo nudges me.
The New York Times recently ran a piece on Hideko Yamashita.
Yamashita is widely recognized in Japan as the pioneer of the modern decluttering movement.
Danshari
Danshari is a Japanese term coined by author Hideko Yamashita.
It signifies a mindful approach to decluttering.
Combining the words dan (refuse), sha (dispose), and ri (separate), Danshari emphasizes a conscious process of curating belongings. This distinguishes it from minimalism, which focuses solely on reducing possessions.
Instead of simply minimizing belongings, Danshari encourages individuals to evaluate and optimize what they own thoughtfully.
Deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism and Shitoism, Yamashita centers on living fully in the present moment.
By discarding unnecessary possessions, we can achieve a more fulfilling life.
Danshari: Key Takeaways
Here are my key takeaways from Yamashita’s teachings:
- Declutter your space, declutter your mind: A clean, organized physical space allows me to focus better. By removing excess belongings, I create space for peace and tranquility.
- Letting go of the past: Holding onto items from the past can prevent me from moving forward and embracing new opportunities. I release attachments to things that no longer serve me.
- Appreciating the present: I try to find joy in what I currently have instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
- Connecting with my true self: Decluttering for me is a journey of self-discovery.
Yamashita’s approach to decluttering extends beyond the physical.
Her application of danshari is a holistic philosophy that encourages mindful living and emphasizes the importance of appreciating the present moment.
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