(NS from Hyogo Prefecture/Male/30s)
When I was a child, my kendo teacher told me, “Don’t show weakness.” Perhaps because of this, I admire a strong warlord. I respected the lone wolf type.
Even at school, I don’t initiate going to friends, but I just wait for them to talk to me. Even when I was depressed, I forced myself to smile, saying, “It’s okay!” And when I was about to graduate from university, people around me said, “I really wanted to get to know you, but it was hard to talk to you.” I was shocked.
The Catalyst for the Change was a Conversation with My Parents
I have been a shinja since I was born, and I have been learning Kami’ s teachings since I was a child. Every time I heard about “initiate the involvement with people” and “valuing the feelings of others,” I somehow questioned my own way of life. I talked to my parents about these feelings and that got me thinking.
As I talked with my parents, I realized that I was in a relationship with people. When I realized that I couldn’t do anything on my own, whether it was at school or in club activities, I wanted to be more honest and be someone who is “easy to talk to.”
Face Your Weaknesses
After that, I got a job and started working. Strangely, I was assigned to a department where I had a lot of interaction with people. I feel like I’m going to pull back. But as I offered kigan, I was able to move forward.
One day, I made a mistake at work. Suddenly, I thought, “I don’t want to show my weakness.” I wanted to apologize, but I can’t apologize … At that time, I remembered what I learned at Yūki no Kai: “When you are young, you should live honestly and receive support from people.” Then, the words “Excuse me, please tell me how to do this” came out naturally. For the first time, I felt like I was able to become stronger.
Real Confidence that I Have Gained
Now, I am more often thanked for at work. People would say, “Thanks to you…” and I feel joy in interacting with people. My co-workers told me, “You’re always positive, which makes me feel like I have to work harder.” I’ve always wanted to be a lone wolf type, but I’m confident that this is my strength.
My friend also commented, “You have changed. You seem softer and more approachable.” Certainly, my mind is calmer and easier than when I was careful not to show weakness. With my own presence, I can make a positive impact on those around me. I will continue to live a life that is in sync with Kami’ s teachings.
Heeding the Shinji to Understand the Reasons for the Joys Experienced
Shinji is the universal principle (truth), and can also be the guidance of life that foresees the future. Please feel the wonders of a life that flows exactly in a way the Shinji tell us when you live with the teachings of Kami.
Shinji
Human beings cannot live on their own.
The effort to make the most of your encounter will elevate your life.
If you can make the teachings the sustain of your kokoro, all people will seek for a life where their encounters are made most.
The feelings (conviction) to live by the principles of the path will deepen the encounter; fosters the true meaning and purpose in your kokoro.