On our travels, we all have special moments. This article is about remembering, memories and making the most of every moment. Embracing the moment.
Reflection of ichi-go ichi e.
I remember hearing Mahler’s 3rd Symphony abroad and at the dramatic ending, after the ovations, sitting in my seat until the concert hall was almost empty. Enjoying the special moment and making sure I took it all in. Or, having coffee in the Vienna Café Central (Est 1876), and staying much longer than it takes to drink two cups of coffee, to soak up the atmosphere and reminding me of the history. In all special travel moments, we try to squeeze everything out of the experience. Stop and think of your special or unique travel moments.
Though the literal translation of “ichi-go, ichi-e” is “one time, one meeting”, the concept is better described as “for this time only”, or “once in a lifetime”. It means, essentially, that this moment is unique – it will never happen again. Even if you get these same people together in this same place and do these same things, the moment will never be the same. This moment, right now, will never take place again. Our enjoyment of our “travel moments” is now enhanced. We make the most of everything as our last trip. Of course, it won’t, but it appreciates everything, especially those moments that stand out as highlights.
Examples:
I mentioned the pre-travel preparation enjoyment of travel, but there is the refection of the travel and looking at pictures, videos, etc. I don’t think a day doesn’t go by when we don’t reflect or recall a special moment. I’m sure you have moments when you say something to your wife / husband or friend like, “do you remember when we were taking the Eurostar to France and met our eventual best friends on board?”
We went to a cruise event function once. During the interval I asked some guests why they wanted to go again on this crise. Almost all said because we have such happy memories of last cruise and the people. They were specific. Have you ever attended a school reunion. It’s an example of the concept. You make the most of the opportunity as you may never be able to attend again.
When we are having special travel experience that we want to remember, we say, “let’s film this, I want to remember it.”
Every Opportunity is special:
A friend said to me isn’t this a sad thought that it will never happen again and that you won’t be with these people again. I respectfully disagree. It’s a bit more poignant perhaps. You may experience same place and people again, but the point is to respect the occasion, the experience, the opportunity, and the people you may be with each time. If you don’t experience it again, you will be satisfied that you did make the most of the visit, the occasion, the meeting, the place. One could apply this to all things in life. As I grow older, I find I’m treating every opportunity, experience we may have, a bit more carefully or with respect.
Savour the moment.
This concept can apply to other aspects of life as well. I have been privileged to meet thousands of people in my life in many countries, we lived in 12. I hope I have given many my best attention and interest to most, but not all. I knew someone once who made each person they met, the most important person in the room at that time and place. Plus, they were exceptional listeners. Ichi-go ichi-e embodies the philosophy that every moment spent in an encounter should be highly treasured, because it will never occur again.
Each moment and each time and circumstance is unrepeatable. As such, every encounter should be met with full, attuned senses. Some encounters mean more than others and can change the course of one’s life in a single moment. A word of advice, a warning, something observed and something experienced.
So “ichi-go ichi-e” is a concept designed to appreciate and celebrate that fact. It’s a reminder that this moment, right now, is beautiful and amazing and entirely unique. Remember the moment in your travels, be present, the people who you are with, and help make it special. Savour the moment. It will never, ever happen again in same way. So, you better enjoy it. Cherish it. Ichi-go, ichi-e.
Written by: Richard Coles
