Kodawari
Attending to the small details that other people may not even notice.
The Japanese language has some wonderfully descriptive terms:
Age-otori: To look worse after a haircut.
Bakku-shan: A beautiful girl, as long as she’s being observed from behind.
Arigatameiwaku: The ‘unwelcome kindness’ of a person doing you a favour that you didn’t actually want them to do for you.
Komorebi: Sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees, dappling the forest floor.
Tsundoku: Accumulating unread books on the bookshelf.
Wabi-Sabi: Appreciating beauty that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.
Mikka Bōzu: The ‘three-day monk’, like the dabbler who easily quits their practice.
Keep-kun: A girl’s backup boyfriend, until someone better comes along.
Karōshi: Death from overworking - a warning for the obsessive archetype.
Kuchisabishī: A lonely mouth, eating out of boredom rather than hunger.
So here we delve into the Japanese term, Kodawari. What is the concept and how can it be applied on the path of mastery?
What is Kodawari?
Kodawari is taking a principled approach to one’s activities, through passion and committed attention to detail. It is an internal drive for high standards, regardless of whether other people notice.
However, its true meaning goes beyond a mere definition and encompasses an entire philosophy for life. Once internalised, Kodawari can encapsulate an entire worldview. The essence of Kodawari is personal, rooted in a deep sense of pride that comes from knowing you did your best, even when alone. It is meaningful to the person, fosters self-respect, and is not dependent on external validation.
Kodawari is a philosophy that encourages a principled approach to all of one’s activities.
Kodawari Noodles
A ramen noodle restaurant could serve as a typical example of Kodawari where the chef exhibits an uncompromising dedication to creating the perfect noodles, soup, ingredients, toppings, and so on.
Interestingly, many customers may not be aware of the meticulous efforts put in to make the dish flawless, and may not even care. But the chef has a refined sense of taste and texture and strives to make sure the noodles are perfect and gains a transcendental joy in doing things right.
In essence, Kodawari means having your own set of principles and standards, regardless of whether they are appreciated or supported by the market or customers. It is a personal philosophy that goes beyond the job spec, emphasising individualism and personal satisfaction. Even if others do not notice, one pursues their Kodawari with unwavering commitment.
Kodawari and unhealthy perfectionism
Perfectionism is driven not only by the idealistic striving to conscientiously improve oneself and the wider world but often through the fear of not being enough, fear of internal or external criticism, or a deep self-disgust with the quality of one’s efforts. Perfectionism is often unhealthy and self-punishing, as well as being judgemental of the imperfections in others.
Kodawari is a more relaxed and balanced perfectionism, rather than a self-righteous dogmatic insistence on high ideals. Kodwari is discerning and wise in terms of quality, rather than a moralising uncontrollable drive for perfection. Kodawari is inspiring but pragmatic, accepting what is, whilst knowing what could be.
Kodawari and Ordinary Mastery
Mastery is not about an obsessive striving for perfection, it is a balanced and sustainable practice for its own sake. It is also about the attitude one takes into practice, and with a Kodawari worldview, one can tend to their practice with an attention to detail.
The Kodawari mindset can be brought to every moment, every detail, of every practice session. It means doing your practice with full attention to detail, being fully mindful, and not skipping steps, avoiding shortcuts, even when there is no one there, such as a trainer, to keep you accountable. An attitude of Kodawari keeps you accountable to yourself and keeps you honest.
One can start by practising Kodawari in small ways, such as focusing and being attentive to details while washing dishes, writing an article, or pursuing a hobby. The attitude of Kodawari can change one's perspective and lead to a meaningful life.
Summary of the key ideas represented by Kodwari:
Kodawari is pursuing perfection, knowing that perfection is unattainable.
Kodawari is a personal standard, not requiring external validation.
Kodawari is caring about the small details others may not even notice.
Kodawari is not about people-pleasing, it is done for its own sake.
Kodawari is internal and subjective rather than external and objective.
Kodawari is a worldview for a meaningful life.
Kodawari can be your guide stone, on how to approach things in life.