How Kanso can bring clarity to your chaotic schedule: Japanese guide to simplicity

New Delhi: In a world where we see everyone running, the world feels like a battleground, and every hour we have to meet deadlines, notifications or endless responsibilities that are not letting us rest or think with a pause, even for a second. This is where we run to find the solution and know how to bring calm to life in order to live peacefully.

The Japanese philosophy of Kanso begins to feel just not relevant, but essential for everyone to follow for simplicity. Rooted in Zen traditions, Kanso helps reclaim space and control in busy, rushed life. 

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For those who feel overwhelmed, burnt out, worked up, or constantly the body feels 'on', Kanso offers a gentle yet powerful reminder that life does not need to be cluttered to be meaningful. With Kanso, you learn to adapt to reduced friction, noise cancellation, and focus on the things that matter the most. Here is how you can apply the Kanso technique in your busy schedule for more simpler, beautiful and meaningful life.

Kanso is based on seven principles of Zen-inspired design with Japanese emphasis, mainly focusing on simplicity, clarity of purpose, removing unnecessary elements, and grace in minimalism. 

Kanso not only focuses on cleaning the upper or physical declutter, but also reflects on the inside to simply process thoughts and time usage, along with managing emotional load.

1. Declutter your time

Kanso begins with decluttering, which means not only the physical cleaning but also time clutter.

2. Create a 'Kanso' hour every day

Every day from your packed schedule, ensure to carve out an hour dedicated to live simpler and slower life. You can use it for:

3. Decision declutter

Busy people also suffer from decision fatigue. Applying Kanso by reducing the number of decisions you take daily can be the chain breaker and help you give more clarity. 

4. Simplify your surroundings

Kanso-aligned environment helps you keep calm, functional, and uncluttered.

5. Prioritise what matters

Every busy person should ask:

• Is this task necessary?

• Does it align with my goals?

• Am I doing this out of pressure or genuine need?

Learn to say yes only to what truly adds value, and no to everything else without guilt.

These are some practices from Kanso techniques that can help calm the mind, create space for mental breathing, simplify the way of living, nurture emotional calmness, and help you control your mind for clearer decisions.