Move over Hygge! How to embrace the Japanese art of Aramahoshi

If you stress about not being able to afford an expensive summer vacation or if you always try to keep up with your friends’ designer wardrobe, you may need more Aramahoshi in your life.

The Japanese philosophy, which translates to “desirable ideal,” has been described by some as the feeling of “I would be happy with this” or “this is enough.”

The minimalist philosophy, put forward by a 14th century Japanese monk named Kenko, is to find contentment in making things the way they are, as opposed to striving for perfection.

It’s not that different from the Danish philosophy of Hygge, which is described as “living the good life on a budget” or finding pleasure in smaller, cheap things.

But while Hygge is all about coziness, candles and roaring fires, Aramahoshi is less about aesthetics and more about embracing life as it is, whatever it looks like.

Psychologists and wellness experts have told FEMAIL how to apply the principles of this mindset and embrace minimalism in all aspects of your daily life.

At its core, Aramahoshi is about finding peace in imperfection and beyond consumerism.

“The power in this philosophy does not scream; it whispers. It asks us to slow down and think: In a world that always asks for more, can we find satisfaction in having enough?’ psychologist Barbara Santini told FEMAIL.

“This is not a call to complacency, but an encouragement to see the inherent richness of our present existence, to discover the hidden fullness in our lives as it is now,” she added.

Psychologist Barbara Santini explained that the philosophy is about appreciating the wealth in our current situation, as opposed to desiring more

Barbara revealed how to apply Aramahoshi’s principles in your everyday moments.

“In order to incorporate Aramahoshi into our lives, we must first become active observers and notice our habitual patterns of craving for more,” she said.

“As a psychologist, I encourage my clients to stop and take stock: Where in your life do you forever chase the horizon, and where do you find a sense of fulfillment in the present?”

And she also explained that the philosophy requires clearing up “physically, emotionally and mentally.”

“It could mean trimming your wardrobe to include only the items you really love, or simplifying your diet to include only the foods that nourish and satiate you,” she continued.

“Emotionally and mentally, it suggests taking a critical look at the societal pressures and expectations we’ve absorbed and questioning whether they’re really in line with our values ​​and well-being,” she added.

The cost of living crisis has caused a lot of stress and uncertainty in UK households, and turning to a philosophy like Aramahoshi can help you cope with the difficult feelings it brings.

“Aramahoshi gives us the opportunity to root in the midst of this chaos and anchor ourselves in the certainty of the present moment,” said Barbara.

Health and wellness coach Philippa Quigley added that Japanese philosophy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek personal improvement

“Applying Aramahoshi in such a context means accepting the reality of the crisis and then consciously distinguishing between essential needs and non-essential desires,” she continued.

“Aramahoshi’s real strength lies not in rejecting the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, but in redefining our relationship with our material conditions.

“It allows us to see this crisis not as a threat, but as a catalyst for transformation,” she added.

The Japanese way of thinking can also give us a chance to re-evaluate what’s really important in life,’ Barbara added.

It also helps us to nurture a lasting sense of contentment no matter what.

Barbara added that Aramahoshi is very much about introspection and is “not just a philosophy, but a way of life.”

However, health and wellness coach Philippa Quigley added that Japanese philosophy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek personal improvement.

This philosophy does not detract from our natural human propensity for growth and improvement. Instead, it complements it by fostering an attitude of gratitude and presence.

“As we strive for more, we are also reminded to pause, appreciate, and really enjoy the present moment; that’s where life happens.’

Philippa added, “Applying Aramahoshi to our daily lives can mean different things to different people.

“It may seem like you’re content with a home-cooked meal instead of craving a restaurant experience or taking pleasure in a walk in the park instead of an expensive vacation.”