ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott Haas is a psychologist, author, and former chef known for his work in the fields of psychology, culinary arts, and writing. Born in 1954, Haas has had a diverse and accomplished career.
Haas earned his PhD in clinical psychology. His background in psychology has influenced his works in more ways than one. He has even applied his psychological insights to the culinary world, exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of cooking and dining. Speaking of cooking, Haas is also a trained chef. His psychological expertise and gastronomic skills have allowed him to approach food and cooking from a unique perspective.
Lastly, Haas is also a gifted author. He has written several books bridging the gap between psychology and culinary arts. One of his notable works is Back of the House, wherein he delves into restaurant kitchens’ intense and often stressful environment.
SYNOPSIS
Ukeireru: Happiness and Acceptance through Japanese Wisdom by Scott Haas explores the Japanese approach to happiness and acceptance. The book examines cultural aspects such as mindfulness, resilience, and acceptance in the face of life’s trials and tribulations. It also highlights the Japanese culture’s emphasis on harmony, balance, and finding contentment in the present moment.
Originally published as Why Be Happy?: The Japanese Way of Acceptance, the book presents a Japanese worldview. The author describes in detail how more and more people around the globe are embracing the Japanese culture for a longer, happier life. Throughout the book, Haas tries to drive home the point that there is a lot more to Japanese culture than the concept of Ikigai.
The author has also described in detail the different types of acceptance and the words associated with them in Japanese society. He reveals why he chose the term ‘Ukeireru’. He defines the term as, ‘Used by a mother with a child to accept something gently, fun to imagine inside oneself, accepting reality.’ He thereafter puts forth some simple yet powerful ways to help us achieve emotions beyond happiness.
Haas has used his experience of the tea ceremony in Japan to illustrate how the Japanese create anticipation about things to make them more enjoyable. He also points out acts of enjoying naps, taking long baths, enjoying the nature, practicing silence, apologizing, and being spiritual to help alleviate stress.
The book underlines the importance of enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Life isn’t simple, but certain simple tasks can definitely make it easier. This helps individuals to not just be happy, but also content by leading more fulfilling, purposeful lives.
WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT UKEIRERU
Ukeireru: Happiness and Acceptance through Japanese Wisdom is a sincere attempt at exploring the Japanese philosophy and contentedness. Haas has used his profound understanding of both Japanese culture and human psyche to come up with this peach of a book.
One of the strengths of Ukeireru lies in its ability to seamlessly weave together ancient Japanese wisdom and modern self-help principles. The book is not just another self-help guide, but an immersive experience. It presents real-life anecdotes and practical exercises to encourage self-reflection and personal growth. To his credit, Haas skillfully introduces readers to the art of mindfulness, showcasing how it can be applied to everyday situations to cultivate a sense of peace and tranquility. Arguably the best thing about the book is that the tips put forth therein do not require too much energy and effort.
Another aspect that sets Ukeireru apart as a book is its universal appeal. While entirely based on Japanese culture, the principles discussed in the book resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds. This wisdom transcends cultural boundaries, making it accessible and relatable to anyone seeking a more balanced, contented life.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT UKEIRERU
Despite being a well-written book, Ukeireru becomes too informative at times. Some readers may find this information overdose somewhat monotonous. A few, if not all, anecdotes felt forced and seemed like an attempt to make them more relevant to Western audiences. Another bummer is the way Haas comes across as overly critical of other authors’ work, while praising a few others.
The book is also replete with examples where the author becomes repetitive while trying to emphasize a point. This makes for a less-than-engaging writing style. Furthermore, some of the translated prose seems to have lost its beauty and cultural nuance.
All in all, the problem with Ukeireru is not the lofty philosophy it seeks to impart, but the way it imparts it. It might take some effort on the readers’ part to overlook this and fully enjoy and implement the ideas shared in the book.
QUOTES
By making anticipation as important as fulfilment of desires, we learn more about ourselves, relationships, and surroundings – because we are not yet experiencing satisfaction, we’re more alert to possibilities.
An apology means that you accept things as they are but not that you are resigned to things staying that way. Maybe without the anger, it will be possible to care enough to do something so that in the future it won’t be necessary to say, “Sumimasen.”
That misery and stress don’t go away. They become the foundation for the next conflict and the next dramatic display.
CONCLUSION
Despite its may flaws, Ameya is happy to recommend Ukeireru due to the valuable philosophy it seeks to share with the world. The book is a comprehensive guide on how to achieve a more peaceful and purposeful life in this day and age. Open-minded readers will appreciate the contents of this book and will surely reap the benefits of the traditional, age-old Japanese practices that are relevant in modern society. Whether one is drawn to Japanese philosophy or simply seeks practical guidance for a more fulfilling life, Ukeireru can be a valuable companion on one’s path to personal growth and satisfaction.
A proverbial bookworm, Anusuya is always hungry for new stories and adventures.