Japanese spirituality for every day: Ikigai, Ma & Zen for a happier life

Over the years, I've learned that Japan stands for peace, simplicity, and small rituals that make life more beautiful. Here too, these little moments of happiness are becoming increasingly popular, especially because we can use them so much in our busy, hectic daily lives. The best part? You don't have to be a spiritual expert to use them. This Japanese philosophy of life is surprisingly practical and, above all, very loving.

I'll take you through three Japanese ideas that you can easily apply for more focus, peace and small, daily moments of happiness.

1 - Ikigai: Your reason for getting up in the morning

Ikigai literally means: reason for being. But that sounds much grander than it is.
Your ikigai doesn't have to be a mega project. It can also be:

• to help someone,
• being creative,
• share a smile,
• enjoy something quiet,
• learn something new.

In Japan, they believe that everyone has an Ikigai and that you can find it in the little things.

Try today:
Write down three things that brighten your day. Maybe it's a new hobby like sashiko , a pleasant conversation, a brisk winter walk, or just sitting in the sun. That's your ikigai.

2 - Ma: the silence that brings peace

Ma (間) is about space. Not just physical space, but also mental and emotional space. In a world overflowing with stimuli, Ma almost becomes a superpower.

But you can find it in:

• an empty piece of wall,
• a break between two appointments,
• a breath before you say anything,
• do nothing for five minutes,
• a drawer that has been tidied up.

The idea is simple: where there's space, peace can arise. And when there's peace, creativity, clarity, and relaxation arise.

Want to learn more about this Japanese philosophy? Miriam Evers went in search of Ma. She traveled to Japan and spoke with philosophers, artists, and thinkers there and here. This is how she discovered how relevant this ancient Japanese wisdom is, and she wrote about her journey in the book "The Japanese Wisdom of Ma ."

Mini exercise:
Now look around you and choose one small spot to clear: a corner of your desk, the windowsill, or maybe, like me, you have a cluttered kitchen counter. That's your "Ma-moment" for today.

3 - Zen: small moments of attention

Zen isn't about vagueness, but about mindfulness. Truly being here.

You can practice Zen in a hundred ways, without a meditation cushion:

• slowly enjoy your first sip of tea or coffee,
• a walk without haste,
• take a few deep breaths.

Zen is not about perfection, but about conscious living.

What to do today:
Choose one daily activity (showering, eating breakfast, walking) and do it slowly and mindfully. You'll notice how gently the peace enters.

How do you apply these three Japanese ideas in your day?

The beauty of Japanese philosophy is that it allows for small things to happen. You don't have to completely overhaul your life; all you need is the will to work on yourself.

Here are some ideas for small daily moments of happiness:

• create a mini zen corner with one beautiful item,
• start your morning with a 2-minute ritual (tea, breathing, light on),
• take micro breaks for more Ma in your life,
• do one thing every day that makes you happy and you will find your Ikigai,
• choose one routine that you can do slowly.

Simple. Sweet. Easy.

A little bit of Japan, a lot more happiness

Japanese spirituality is not about grand theories, but about being kind to yourself and about small habits that make life just a little more beautiful.

The best part? You can start today with one cup of tea, one breath, one moment of rest.

The author: Ingrid Beyer

Ingrid from Happlify crew member Roppongi is a far-too-humble Japan expert who can tell you all the ins and outs. Roppongi is the online store for lovers of Japan, design, good food, tea, and DIY. Visit Roppongi and the blog regularly for the quickest trip to Japan. Ingrid's blog posts >