One word that describes Japanese people is their remarkable resilience.
Its people have been battling earthquakes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, wars, floods, and famine since ancient times. And always, they know how to bounce back.
9 years ago, on March 11, around this time, we were hit by a serious of disasters. In the following weeks, we had all kinds of difficulties in Eastern Japan. But, we, the residents in Japan, have worked hard to bounce back. It is to the degree that we are now well-prepared for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics. I believe we will do a spectacular job of hosting the events.
Since mid-February, it feels a bit like how it was in the early months of 2011. The word that describes the atmosphere is uncertainty. I lost considerable business in a matter of a few days. It will be a lie if I say I am not worried.
But, unlike in 2011, I know more about two great assets of knowledge: Positive Psychology and Mindfulness.
Positive Psychology, which I had started to learn about when I was doing M.Sc. in Psychology, has taught me about Positive Coping, Positive Relationships, and Resilience.
Since mid-January, I have the privilege to teach Positive Organizational Psychology at Temple University Japan (TUJ) Continuing Education Program. It is a 10-weeks course. Yesterday, we had to switch to the Zoom video call for the first time. I was happy to see that most of the learners could attend.
We went over how we were all impacted by the turn of events and what we were doing to build resilience. We talked about having the correct information, staying connected with people, taking care of our health, keeping hope, and being creative, e.g. trying the class on Zoom for the first time AND enjoying it.
Mindfulness is helping me to focus on here and now. I can focus on what I need to for me and my business today. I also cherish the relationships I have.
My loved ones, as well as my friends.
This morning, I sent an email to one of my Japanese sempai working in a well-established high-growth company. I asked him how he was doing.
He replied and said,
"Our expected revenue has dropped by a third! The future looks bleak. But...What can I do?
All I can do is to have a good laugh!"
I cannot agree more:)
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