The Japanese term "Datsusara" refers to the act of quitting work as a salaryman and finding a new occupation. What does this mean for each of us? As for myself, I feel that life is too precious to be spent doing work that does little to benefit the body, mind or soul and so I chose the Datsusara way. But the act of becoming a Datsusara can be daunting.
Many perceive being Datsusara as a lazy act to avoid responsibility or they have fears due to debt, a dependent family, or other obligations. I assure you it's isn't a lazy man's path. It takes great dedication and commitment to stay the course, but rest assured it's worth it. I can't encourage you enough to spend more of your time doing what you love. Perhaps for you this means you work at home, change careers, start a business, learn new things, have adventures, spend time with loved ones, etc. If things ever start to seem difficult just keep in mind why you chose the Datsusara way.
I have days when running the business can be exhausting even though it's seems that I have an ideal situation. I don't wake up to an alarm, I work at home, I get to hang out with my dog all day and my customers are great people (thank you all for the support!). But it's easy to forget all of these things when I get bogged down with emails, phone calls, fulfilling orders and dealing with defective units or the rising costs of manufacturing.
I find it's critical to keep the greater vision in mind or risk falling into a self imposed pattern of slavery, which is exactly what we are trying to prevent by becoming Datsusara. For me, this means remembering that I'm working at changing people's perception of hemp, which in turn will improve our world in a myriad of ways. Every Datsusara will have their own way of being, you don't have to intend to change the world, but by simply finding your true path, you will change the world for the better.
Be Datsusara.
"Follow your bliss" - Joseph Campbell
"Have fun, and don't take it too seriously" Jeff Bridge's Mother
7 comments
Rafael,
Glad you liked it and thanks for the comment :)
I’ve read your post on the datsusara way before when I was first researching your bags. I ran across it this morning however, and it took on new meaning for me. Reading it inspired me. I’ve been very doubtful of my newly opened business, but the post reminded why I am doing it. I think I briefly lost sight of my reasons for taking that chance, and the idea of datsusara helped remind me. It was right on time. Thanks for your post, and your awesome bags.
Thanks Albert, hope to see you on the mat sometime :)
Dude! totally dig your train of thought man… I will def be trying out version 3 of the gi, if not for the hemp; for the theme behind the brand. Hope to meet u one day at 10th planet. keep it up.
Thanks Rafael! Always nice to hear from kindred spirits.
Mario, I hadn’t heard of Paul Watzlawick till now, looks interesting, does he have a specific book on relationship study? I ask because it’s one area of life I have the hardest time understanding and I haven’t learned to give up yet heheh Now I have to look up Aggrolites too :)