Question 1

Mindfulness and mindfulness meditation are currently seeing a surge in popularity. How is your programme different from other forms of mindfulness meditation?

Accepted Answer

The term mindfulness was coined in the USA in the 1970s. Since then, I think it has become a somewhat complex concept and the essence of the term has become blurred, although that process may be natural and inevitable. In my own way, I have re-defined the term mindfulness to make it easier to understand. The mindfulness meditation that I offer is as simple as possible, without any rigidity. Moreover, if you implement a  “focusing” practice, you will have some kind of experience or discovery from an early stage (in accordance with the definition of the word mindfulness, of course). If, based on my knowledge and experience as a doctor, I decide that mindfulness meditation is not appropriate at the time, I will make other suggestions that you can follow.

Question 2

Why do you think mindfulness is good?

Accepted Answer

In my dealings with patients as a doctor and with myself as a human being, I am convinced, beyond evidence and based on actual experience, that mindfulness reduces stress. When stress is reduced, people are naturally healthier and happier. However, practising mindfulness ‘correctly’ can be difficult at first if you are alone, so I wish to offer initial support in this regard. AI has developed nowadays, but I think the biggest difference between humans and AI is that human beings possess a living body. The physical sensations felt when doing mindfulness can only be understood by the person practising the method. This is one way of taking care of yourself, and your bodily sensations will eventually lead to an awareness of your emotions (true feelings), your subjective awareness and even your individuality. The more people can practise mindfulness and mindfulness meditation ‘correctly’, the more they will be able to think and act in a way that brings them closer to their true individuality allowing individuals to make use of their unique qualities. This will lead to a reduction in illnesses and problems, and the situation will automatically improve, not only for you, but also for those around you.

Question 3

Who will benefit from practising mindfulness?

Accepted Answer

As a doctor, I have practised it on patients with psychosomatic disorders, complex PTSD, depression, cancer and many other illnesses, and have seen a definite effect. I would like to encourage people who are not suffering from any illness or disorder, but who are looking to improve their situation, to practise mindfulness... The reasons leading individuals to practise mindfulness can vary from person to person.. However, I think it is better to ask yourself why you have the very reasons you have, and to be clear about it every now and then. If you check in with yourself regularly, you may be shaken or swayed by the situation at times, but the reasons will become a constant motivation for you.

Question 4

What do we need to do to practise mindfulness?

Accepted Answer

Before practice, a minimum interest in ‘learning about mindfulness’ is required. After that, practice will largely depend on your own motivation, depending on your own situation at the time. It is of course fine to have ebbs and flows of motivation, and this is normal. When your motivation is temporarily low, or if you are in a difficult situation, I try to help you to reduce stress through counselling, touch-based mindfulness and focusing. This is preferable to a continued practice of mindfulness with a sense of reluctance. You may think that it's a bit difficult to learn, but I will make every effort to ensure that you experience small successes and discoveries from the beginning, during and at the end of the course!

Question 5

How long do we need to attend sessions for?

Accepted Answer

It is up to the client to decide how long they want to attend sessions, but it is basically until you feel that you are able to do mindfulness and mindfulness meditation ‘correctly’ on your own to a certain extent. I have my own clear view of how many sessions you should attend. Once you are able to take care of yourself and are able to spend time well with yourself and with others, I consider that the job is done. Once that happens, sessions are no longer necessary.

Question 6

I have been doing mindfulness meditation for a long time, but I do not do well with self-compassion (self-affirmation).

Accepted Answer

From my own experience, people who have been brought up in a Japanese-like culture may not be familiar with the concept of self-compassion in the first place. If you practice "focusing" here repeatedly, you will eventually come to understand self-compassion and make it your own.

Question 7

One last word.

Accepted Answer

Your own motivation is first and foremost the most important factor, but it is equally important to ‘rely on others’ so that you can be ‘supported’ like the Chinese character for ‘person’（人）. I myself was doing my best on my own when I started mindfulness meditation, but gradually I learnt to ‘rely on others’ and came to strongly feel that the person I am today exists thanks to the support of those around me. With society being more and more diverse, there are more experts in many different fields. It is important to be well prepared to rely on such people on a regular basis depending on your own situation. This will help towards maintaining your health and well-being. I can introduce you to such people if you wish, and I would like you to have many of them around you so that you can build a support network.

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