On This Auspicious Day: Giving Yourself the Gift of the Future This Christmas
Merry Christmas! Today is a special time for many, spent with family and loved ones. In Japan, Christmas celebrations often include sharing a beautifully decorated cake. But this year, Christmas is even more unique—it’s also an auspicious day (kaiunbi), perfect for making wishes and starting new endeavors.
So, inspired by this special occasion, I want to share a Japanese cultural practice called “yoshuku” (celebrating in advance) and how you can give yourself a meaningful gift—one that represents the future you dream of.
Visiting a Shrine: A Moment for Self-Reflection
In Japan, when we have a wish or face a turning point, we often visit a shrine to pray. As a child, I thought this was just “turning to the gods in times of need.” But as I grew older, I began to see shrine visits differently—as moments to face myself.
When you bow and make a wish at a shrine, it’s not just about asking the gods for help. It’s about declaring your intentions aloud and committing to them. Saying your goals out loud turns vague hopes into something clear and tangible. In a way, it’s similar to what we now call manifestation—focusing on a desired future and aligning your actions with it.
The Wisdom of “Yoshuku”
Most of us celebrate our achievements after we succeed—like having a party after getting a promotion or reaching a milestone. But in Japan, there’s a concept called yosshuku, which flips this idea around.
Yoshuku is about celebrating your success before it happens, as if you’re already there. For example, holding a “passing the exam” dinner party before the test day. This joyful pre-celebration creates a mindset of success and helps you align your actions with your goals.
Here’s how yoshuku works in daily life:
Imagine you’re trying to lose weight. Instead of waiting to reward yourself with new clothes until you reach your target, buy an outfit that fits your ideal self now. Let that outfit inspire you to make food and activity choices that align with your vision.
A Present for Your Future Self
When we think of Christmas gifts, we often think of giving to others. But this year, why not give a present to yourself? Not just any gift, but one that symbolizes the future you’re working toward.
For me, that gift has been a furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. I use it to wrap the important things in my life, both literally and figuratively. Every time I use it, I’m reminded of the dreams and goals I’ve set for myself. It’s a small but powerful way to ground myself and keep moving toward the future I want.
Starting Today with Gratitude and Intentions
Christmas is also a perfect time to express gratitude. Take a moment to say “thank you” to those who support you and bring joy to your life. It’s amazing how something so simple can make your heart feel lighter.
From this place of gratitude, think about the year ahead. Set a small goal, then imagine the future version of yourself who has already achieved it. What can you do today to start living that future?
Since today is an auspicious day, it’s the perfect moment to put yoshuku into practice. Celebrate your journey in advance and take a first step toward your dreams. Even the smallest action can be an act of celebration—a gift to your future self.
Wishing You a Beautiful Christmas
This year has been filled with ups and downs, but moments of gratitude and joy have kept me moving forward. I’m so thankful for the support and connection that have made this year special.
May you have a wonderful Christmas and a bright start to the New Year. Let’s keep growing and dreaming together in the year ahead.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🎄