KAIZEN is a word in the Japanese language that means "CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT." It was first introduced into English as a way of to describe increasing efficiency of the manufacturing process by statistical analysis. I first heard it through the TOTAL IMMERSION swimming method that encourages swimmers to have a goal of swimming better each time they get into the pool.
To truly practice, kaizen a person needs to be mindful of their thoughts, words and actions. That's much easier said (and typed) than done. We live in such a fast paced society that most of the time, we just "do" things without thinking about them. When is the last time you drove to work or school and thought "How did I get here?" I have had that happen on more than one occasion. It seems like we are almost beamed from one place to another. The unfortunate thing is those precious moments are moments that you and I will never have back.
A wise man once told me that TIME is the only commodity that we can never truly get back. Once a moment is gone, it's gone.
As we go about our lives, its so easy for us to go on auto-pilot in a number of situations. As a employee, supervisor, therapist, coach, teacher, parent, student, etc., we all have moments that we are not really there. It's one thing for you to miss something in your life but for most of us, we usually have someone else sharing a experience with us; and for us not to be FULLY PRESENT robs ourselves and the other person of the experience.
Can we afford to miss moments with others when the future is so uncertain? I hate to bring up an unfortunate event but it's powerful. On 9/11, we lost thousands of Americans in a terrorist attack. What is even sadder is there were probably moments that those people may have missed with their loved ones who may have thought "I'll see Mom/Dad/Sister/Brother/Friend later. We'll have plenty of time." Later never came.
Take a moment to look up from reading and take in the scene. Then take a moment to reach out to someone you have not talked to in a while and maybe reminisce with them. Smile at a stranger. Hug your loved one.
Being better doesn't require you to sweat, run, lift weights, practice Yoga, etc. It just requires you to be PRESENT 100 PERCENT. When you are present, you leave space for yourself to improve. If you are present, those improvements will be there before you know it.
As always, I welcome questions and comments.
Thank you,
Will
Kaizen...I like it! You are right, we are on automatic pilot(too much Amygdala?) and fail to take in the scenery and be present with thought and action. We all do this, but thanks Will for another reminder to be in the NOW :)...like it!
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