Summary

The undefined website discusses "Nankurunaisa," an Okinawan mantra that promotes hope, resilience, and a calm mind by encouraging a slower approach to life.

Abstract

"Nankurunaisa," a phrase from the Okinawan language, is highlighted as a powerful mantra that translates to "take it slow" in English. This concept is not only a saying but a way of life that has been linked to the longevity and well-being of the Okinawan people, one of the world's "Blue Zones." The website delves into the personal transformation of an individual who adopted this mantra, noting significant improvements in mental clarity, stress reduction, and overall calmness. The article contrasts mantras with prayers, explaining that while prayers are directed to a higher power, mantras like "Nankurunaisa" are self-empowering tools for personal growth and spiritual well-being. Historical figures such as Nelson Mandela and Helen Keller are cited as embodiments of the "Nankurunaisa" philosophy, demonstrating patience, hope, and resilience in the face of adversity. The text also touches on the neuroscientific benefits of repeating the mantra, suggesting it can alter neuronal structures and regulate stress hormones, fostering a sense of hope and resilience. Practical advice is provided on how to incorporate "Nankurunaisa" into daily life to manage stress and maintain mental health.

Opinions

The author believes that "Nankurunaisa" is an effective tool for managing stress and improving mental health.
Regular repetition of "Nankurunaisa" is suggested to have a calming effect and to help in maintaining a balanced way of life.
The mantra is seen as a means of self-empowerment, contrasting with prayers that seek external divine assistance.
The article posits that "Nankurunaisa" can lead to tangible changes in one's life, akin to a 'switch flip' in terms of personal transformation.
Historical figures like Nelson Mandela and Helen Keller are presented as real-life examples of the philosophy's effectiveness.
The author emphasizes the importance of cultivating gratitude, maintaining perspective, building resilience, fostering connections, and practicing self-compassion to fully benefit from the "Nankurunaisa" philosophy.
The Okinawan lifestyle, encapsulated by "Nankurunaisa," is credited for the region's status as a "Blue Zone" with higher longevity.
The article suggests that Western culture can learn from the Okinawan approach to life to counteract the negative effects of a fast-paced, stressful lifestyle.

Mental Health and Spirituality

“Nankurunaisa,” The Mantra of Hope and Resilience

Over time, “Nankurunaisa” can calm your mind

Are you familiar with the term Nankurunaisa?

I used to meditate a lot, always overthinking things. People thought I was calm, but inside, I was a volcano. Then, I found Nankurunaisa. Nankurunaisa changed that.

Now, I’m calmer, inside and out. I’m a different person now, much calmer both internally and externally. Now, I’m different. I’m calmer inside and out. It’s like a switch flipped. I’m more productive now. I feel peaceful. Nankurunaisa did that. It’s powerful.

It’s a mantra, a few words, but it works wonders. Not only that, but it’s almost like magic. I say it quietly to myself. Before, I’d stress over everything. Now, I take a breath and repeat Nankurunaisa. It centers me. Life’s more accessible now. I’m more relaxed. My mind’s clearer. Nankurunaisa is simple but effective. It’s my anchor in a storm. I recommend it to everyone.

The term ‘Nankurunaisa’ consists of the Japanese characters 「なんくるないさぁ

Nankurunaisa is an Okinawan phrase roughly translated to ‘take it slow’ in English.

Origin: Okinawan language (Ryukyu Islands, Japan)
Japanese characters: なんくるないさぁ
Meaning: ‘Take it slow’
Historical Significance: Emphasizes harmony, respect, and a balanced way of life prevalent among the Okinawan population.

A mantra. Derived from ancient Sanskrit, the term ‘mantra’ typically refers to a word, sound, or phrase repeated to aid concentration in meditation. They’re believed to invoke specific benefits and outcomes when spoken or chanted, ranging from calming the mind to invoking spiritual enlightenment.

How does a mantra differ from a prayer?

Unlike prayers, often spoken to request help or express gratitude to a higher power, mantras help us attune our thoughts and energies. Prayers are typically associated with a specific religious context and are directed towards a divine entity asking for blessings or assistance. Conversely, Mantras are more about self-empowerment, repeated for personal growth, understanding, and holistic well-being.

While both serve spiritual purposes, a mantra is more about harnessing internal energy, and a prayer is a means to communicate with an external divine being.

Examples of historical figures who have used this philosophy of life

Such a philosophy is embodied in a single Ryukyuan phrase — Nankurunaisa. Historically, despite being unable to name this philosophy, there have been admirable figures who have lived it and etched their names in the annals of history.

One such figure is Nelson Mandela. This South African anti-apartheid revolutionary lived the spirit of Nankurunaisa throughout his long walk to freedom. Mandela spent a staggering 27 years in prison, yet never lost hope.

Let’s also look at the life of Helen Keller, a woman who overcame the adversity of losing both her sight and hearing at a very young age. To Keller, the philosophy of taking life slowly, having patience, and perseverance embodied the Nankurunaisa spirit even before she could label it.

A famous transplantation surgery, Professor Paolo Muiesan (1961–2022), Surgical Master, Educator, Mentor, and Gentleman, practiced and transmitted this philosophy to his partners and students:

As we wrote in an obituary by the UEMS Division of Transplant Surgery Board, he once wrote the Japanese word “nankurunaisa” (なんくるないさ). When asked what this meant, he replied “with time everything gets sorted out.” This was his way of approaching life. With the strongest ever belief that everything is going to be sorted out at some point, teaching us all how to de-escalate difficult situations.

Practical situations to practice Nankurunaisa

Let’s imagine you’ve just started a new business. This is the perfect moment to apply for Nankurunaisa. Rather than giving in to stress and pressure, remind yourself: “Take it slow.”

Perhaps you’re a college student feeling overwhelmed by the amount of coursework and the pressure to excel. Again, Nankurunaisa serves as a mantra you can use. Rather than succumbing to the stress, try to slow down and approach each task individually. Remember the mantra, “Step by step.”

Even in everyday life, Nankurunaisa can be a guiding philosophy. You may be caught in a traffic jam and late for a necessary appointment. Instead of allowing stress and anger to control you, practice Nankurunaisa sincerely. Remind yourself: “Patience brings peace.” This might not make the traffic disappear, but it can mitigate your stress and keep you calm.

In all these examples, Nankurunaisa is a reminder to live in the present, strive for inner peace, and patiently accept life’s challenges. From this understanding, we can explore the neuroscientific explanations behind Nankurunaisa — this mantra of hope and resilience.

What does Neuroscience know about mantras like Nankurunaisa?

When you habitually repeat the mantra, Nankurunaisa, it can prompt tangible changes in the neuronal structures of your brain.

Here’s the part that might catch your interest. With the regular utterance of the mantra Nankurunaisa, your brain registers patterns of hope and resilience.

Another fundamental neuroscientific concept of this resilience-building lies in regulating stress hormones. Repeatedly chanting Nankurunaisa can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a sense of calm and relaxation. This helps reduce the production of cortisol, popularly known as ‘the stress hormone.’

For that, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, remember the ancient mantra of Nankurunaisa. It’s more than a saying; it’s a neuroscientifically backed tool for fostering hope and resilience in your life.

Tips to Benefit from “Nankurunaisa” philosophy

To get the most out of the “Nankurunaisa,” it is crucial to cultivate certain habits and attitudes in daily life:

1. Practice Gratitude: Recognize the blessings in your life and learn to value them, even amid challenges.

2. Keep Perspective: Remember that difficulties are temporary, and there is always room for growth and transformation.

3. Cultivate resilience: Learn to adapt to changing circumstances and solve problems creatively.

4. Foster Connection: Seek support from friends, family, and community in times of difficulty. Sharing your worries can ease the emotional burden and provide new perspectives.

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that it is natural to sometimes feel overwhelmed. Allow yourself space for rest and emotional recovery.

Bullet points

Nankurunaisa is a phrase that originates from the Okinawan language, which is spoken on the Okinawa islands of Japan.
Unlike many popular mantras, it is not religious but is deeply rooted in the culture and lifestyle of the Okinawan people.
Okinawa has been recognized as one of the “Blue Zones” by National Geographic, where people live longer on average — often attributed to the lifestyle encapsulated by Nankurunaisa.
Nankurunaisa is more than a mantra — it is a way of life that influences the Okinawans’ diet, work, relationships, and general lifestyle.
Western culture is now beginning to embrace these concepts as studies show the detrimental effects of a fast-paced, high-stress lifestyle.
Nankurunaisa is a beacon of hope and resilience. It encourages individuals to take life one step at a time and to appreciate the journey as much as the end goal.

I hope it can relieve or improve your mental health: Nankurunaisa!