One life. One encounter.

In Japanese, there is a beautiful phrase:

Ichigo-ichie ( 一期一会)

It literally means “one life, one-time encounter.”

Originating from tea ceremonies in Japan, it is the idea that when people come together for a shared experience, this experience is the utmost rare opportunity of one’s lifetime. It must be presumed that it will happen only once. And, therefore, we should take care and cherish that moment dearly.

But the expression does not end with just people. It also applies to places. To experiences. Because a moment where we’re in is one that will never happen again.

Lastly, ichigo-ichie applies to the work we do as well.

For example, for a writer, the combination of words and ideas that she encounters at one moment will not happen at another. There might be similar moments, but they will not be quite the same.

For a painter, the encounter of shapes and colors.
For a song writer, the encounter of musical notes.

In the work that matters for you, what do you encounter with gratitude?