ICHIGO ICHIE: This Moment Happens Only Once (It Will Never Be The Same Again)

The Japanese phrase Ichigo Ichie (一期一会) literally means:

One time, one meeting.

It consists of:

• Ichigo (一期):

  • 一 (ichi) meaning "one" or "first"

  • 期 (go) meaning "period" or "time"

• Ichie (一会):

  • 一 (ichi) meaning "one" or "first"

  • 会 (e) meaning "meeting" or "gathering"

It underscores the importance of valuing each unique and irreplaceable moment, often associated with the Japanese tea ceremony and mindfulness.

This ideograph artwork captures the essence of "Ichigo Ichie."

Ichigo Ichie reminds us that every moment in life is unique and unrepeatable. Even if we meet the same person again tomorrow, the moment will never be exactly the same.

This wisdom beautifully reflects the heart of MINDFULGym. In the story of The Emperor’s Three Questions, we are reminded:

• The most important time is NOW

• The most important PERSON is the one you are with NOW

• The most important thing to do is to CARE for that person NOW

  
  

In MINDFULGym, mindfulness means:

Remembering 🩶 to pay attention 💙 and relate to present-moment experience (like sight, sound, body sensation, thought, feeling) with an attitude of kindness 🩷, a beginner’s mind 💚, and wisdom 💛.

When we live this way, every moment becomes Ichigo Ichie.

A Sunday Morning Lesson

A man and his elderly mother connect joyfully as they choose fresh produce at a busy market, embodying 'ichigo ichie'—the appreciation of the present moment's beauty.

Every Sunday morning, I fetch my elderly mum and bring her to the market. It has become our small weekly ritual. She walks slowly from stall to stall, buying vegetables, chicken, and fruits for the week. Sometimes she chats with the stall owners. Sometimes she takes a long time choosing the vegetables.

These days, due to aging, she can be forgetful. Sometimes she repeats the same stories. Sometimes she nags a little and quarrels with my sister.

In the past, I might have felt impatient. But lately, I’ve begun to see these Sunday mornings differently. One day, the time will come when my mum will no longer be here. And these simple market trips will become only memories. When that day comes, I know I will miss these moments — even the nagging.

So now, when we walk through the market, I remind myself gently: This is Ichigo Ichie. This Sunday morning will never come again.

So I slow down. I listen more carefully. I smile more often. And quietly in my heart, I appreciate the preciousness of this moment. Because this moment with my mum is a once-in-a-lifetime meeting.

Practicing Ichigo Ichie: 5 Simple Ways

Here are five practical MINDFULGym ways to bring the spirit of Ichigo Ichie into daily life:

1️⃣ Pause with Mindful-STOP. Take a brief moment to pause. Stop, take a breath, observe, and continue with your life filled with gratitude and appreciation.

2️⃣ Practice NOW-ing. Label what you are doing now: “Now walking…”“Now listening…”“Now savouring 'teh-cham'…” This helps anchor your attention in the present moment.

3️⃣ See with Beginner’s Mind. Look at familiar things as if seeing them for the first time. Fresh eyes make ordinary moments meaningful.

4️⃣ Listen Fully. When someone speaks, give them your full attention. Deep listening is one of the greatest forms of care.

5️⃣ Appreciate Before It Passes. Pause and ask yourself:

“If this moment never comes again, how would I experience it?”

Often the answer is simple:

Be Present. Be Calm. Be Grateful (MINDFULGym's slogan)

The Ichigo Ichie Song

Recently, I made a song inspired by Ichigo Ichie (in Cantonese), " 一期一会 (Ichigo Ichie) One Time, One Meeting" as a reminder that every meeting, every conversation, and every moment in life is precious.

Because once this moment passes…

It will never return in exactly the same way again.

That is what makes it precious; the beauty of Ichigo Ichie. 🌿