Financial troubles often serve as a breeding ground for stress and anxiety. According to the UK’s Money and Mental Health Institute, over 1.5 million people in England alone grapple with serious debt and concurrent mental health issues.
Additionally, a CNBC survey has shown that 70 percent of US citizens face financial difficulties, with 52 percent of respondents stating that their financial stress has worsened since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
In his book “Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money,” Ken Honda has endeavored to transform the way we handle our finances. He introduces the concept of “Arigato your money,” a renowned Japanese technique for attaining sustainable financial success by offering a unique perspective on our financial activities. “Arigato” translates to “thank you” in Japanese, reflecting a cultural philosophy similar to other Japanese lifestyle philosophies such as Wabi-Sabi.
So, what is the Arigato philosophy? According to Dr. Kunjan Gupta, Consultant Psychiatrist at Regency Hospital, gratitude holds a significant place in Japanese culture and can be applied to various aspects of life, including money.
Honda distills his ideology into the simple adage, ‘Arigato in, Arigato out.’ In essence, this means that you should appreciate both the inflow and outflow of money in your life. Regardless of the amount of money you receive, you accept it with love and gratitude. When you spend money, you do so with a grateful and open heart. A simple “thank you” is sufficient to express your gratitude for both the inflow and outflow of funds.
But why do the Japanese practice Arigato?
Being appreciative of your money as it departs from your possession might seem unusual, but it cultivates a mindset of gratitude, which serves as nourishment for your spirit. For example, when paying your phone bill, you can be grateful for the ability to connect with the outside world rather than criticizing or worrying about it. When you spend money on something that enhances your quality of life, you can be grateful for the opportunity to afford it. This approach encourages a ‘Zen’ way of living, promoting a present-focused mentality that prevents negative thinking or worrying about the future.
Arigato your money doesn’t mean you must avoid making financial sacrifices or exercise excessive control over your spending. Instead, it encourages you to spend money on things of true value. Honda emphasizes that wise spending is just as important as wise earning.
So, how can you practice Arigato with your money like the Japanese?
From a mental health expert’s perspective, Dr. Gupta suggests several ways to incorporate gratitude into your financial life:
1. Gratitude Journal: Keeping a gratitude journal where you regularly write down things you’re thankful for, including financial blessings, can boost your overall well-being.
2. Mindful Spending: Being mindful of your spending and appreciating what your money enables you to do can help you make more conscious financial decisions.
3. Budgeting with Gratitude: When creating a budget, focus on allocating funds to areas that bring you joy and fulfilment. This way, you can ensure your money aligns with your values and priorities.
4. Giving Back:** Practicing generosity and donating to causes you care about can be a powerful way to express gratitude for your financial stability.
Avoiding Comparison: Gratitude can help you avoid the trap of constantly comparing your financial situation to others, reducing financial stress.
By infusing gratitude into your financial mindset, you can nurture a more positive and mentally healthy relationship with money. Remember, seeking guidance from a mental health expert or financial advisor for personalized advice on managing your money and well-being is always a wise choice.
