What is genius but the power of expressing a new individuality?
~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Many words in other languages lack a direct English translation. Oubaitori (桜梅桃李) is one such concept. The Japanese word encompasses a sentiment that encourages people to honor their individuality and embrace the unique journey of their lives.
Kanji is the Japanese writing system that uses characters, each symbol conveying a meaning or idea rather than just a sound. The Kanji word is comprised of images. Oubaitori is a character of four trees, each blooming at various times in the spring. The word suggests that we all grow and blossom at our own pace, just as the cherry, plum, peach, and apricot trees do.
Oubaitori reflects on the harmony between humans and nature, a concept sometimes lost in Western society. Some may view humans as superior rather than equal to nature. Oubaitori sees all parts of nature as integral to each other.
The concept of Oubaitori has many lessons from which we can learn.
- Embrace diversity and approach the differences you encounter as a gift to understanding something unknown. Celebrate our differences.
- Focus on your growth, and venture to learn one thing every day.
- Celebrate your individuality and uniqueness; praise and observe each aspect without judgment, then honor the strength of being who you are.
- Ingrain the idea that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms in your children, your family, and within yourself.
- Refrain from comparing yourself to others or viewing yourself at a different time. Accept where you are today, and if you seek change, when you can be better, you will become so.
Welcome and appreciate the rhythm you will blossom in your own time. There are no late bloomers, just those who took a different timeline. We find acceptance in taking the time it takes, thus allowing us to focus on our metamorphosis and progress on our journey rather than the time it took to arrive. The deeper the roots, the stronger the tree.
We become more tolerant and understanding of others when we foster unity and compassion for our unique progress in life. The concept of Oubaitori creates harmony as we enjoy the experience of everyone growing and blooming in their own time. Let us become aware that differences are our strengths and our teachers. Fortunately, we can reap the rewards of the plentiful examples as we move through our life journey.
If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.
~Charles M. Schulz
