Originally Written on 31st May, 2006 (on the eyes blog...)by Paola Storchi
One of the most common responses we give to people especially at work is that we don't have time.Not having time can also become a superstition and like superstitions can be demythified.Take a look at how Japanese approach the issue with the concept of yoyu, the so called extra-abundance. I included some thoughts on preparedness, prevision, anticipation, foresight. I gathered some Japanese colleagues and friends' views/voices on this. In a nutshell if we learn how to keep the yoyu we could improve our internal effectiveness.What would it be the closest word in English? In Italian I can't find it...
Yo= Additional, Extra Yu= Ample, Abundance 余裕 (yoyu) 時間に余裕がある(yoyu in time)
What do we mean by yoyu time? This is the time in between things, that allows moments to recharge and prepare for next deadline, meeting, appointment.Yoyu also points to the interspaces that appear between information and knowledge. It looks as if there is time in between them. Yoyu is the feeling of not loosing against the pressure, having time/space to think and feel even if we are rushed.“It is something inside.It gives confidence. If someone asks you how you are doing you say ‘yoyu, yoyu’ if you are confident.” Abundance means the extra time in between. When you have this time,you prepare in advance and anticipate, you arrive early instead of late.Having yoyu means being prepared for exchanging, for sharing, for thinking. Japanese culture is strong on preparation (i.e. tea ceremony).
心に余裕がある(yoyu in mind and heart) Yoyu is the extraspace in the heart. Yoyu makes us poised-ready for anything we can take in for external affairs, yoyu enables us to accomodate anything that comes to us. To have yoyu is to have separate unique,own,individual space Yoyu is bliss Yoyu allows time for dreaming (vision) Yoyu also means to be settled Yoyu is an intuitive notion, an intuitive knowledge, is the wisdom of ourselves.
