Zatoichi is a fictional character created by Japanese novelist Kan Shimozawa. He is an itinerant blind masseur and swordsman of Japan’s late Edo period (1830s and 1840s). The story became a movie series, followed by a television series, both featuring the same actor—who likely served as the inspiration for Admiral Fujitora in One Piece. More recent adaptations have continued to emerge, and the version I watched was Takeshi Kitano’s. I won’t spoil the ending, but as Beat Takeshi is known for his humor, I appreciated his interpretation of the character and the reflection it sparked.
How Do We Perceive the World?
Have you ever imagined how the world would feel if you were blind? We often take for granted what we have, assuming that everyone experiences the world in the same way we do. But what if you were deaf, or had a disability, whether visible or not? Because, yes, invisible disabilities exist—mental illnesses are disabilities too, yet because they cannot be seen, they are often dismissed as nonexistent.
Of course, it is incredibly complex to accommodate everyone’s differences. But by developing self-awareness, we can begin to perceive the world from other perspectives, including those of people with disabilities.
Can Self-Awareness Change Society?
Critical thinking and the ability to understand another person’s perspective are essential skills—yet they remain underdeveloped worldwide. True societal change will not come from those in power who benefit most from the status quo. If you were among the wealthiest elites, would you willingly take action that threatens your own privilege? Probably not. So waiting for them to act is not an option.
Instead, we can focus on something within our control: building self-awareness. And to do so, we must create the right environment for our brain.
Why Are Habits the Key to Transformation?
Why focus on habits? Because once a habit is formed, we do it almost unconsciously. Many of our decisions and actions stem from instinct or habitual patterns, meaning that by shaping our habits, we shape our automatic responses.
For example, practicing gratitude meditation daily can naturally make us more inclined to express appreciation toward others. Likewise, consistent exercise not only improves physical health but also influences our brain to crave healthier foods, contributing to both mental and physical well-being.
Creating habits is the most effective way to break free from routine and take true control of our lives.
What do you think? Have you ever developed a habit that changed your perspective or improved your awareness of the world around you? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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