Small Things

The joy on the faces of the happy new couple, and their smiling, proud parents, can not be denied.

Congratulations.

I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride.

In all likelihood, due to the fact the Japanese have never been burdened with original sin, he has probably kissed the bride a few times already.

For those who have taken the plunge—some more than once—it is of paramount importance for the newlyweds to understand—seemingly smallish things will definitely turn into very consequential affairs, if given enough time.

The Japanese continue to maintain the traditionally define roles of society, and have always been looked upon by the others, as a nation of conservatives.

Regardless of meaningless labels strewn about by the pedantic pettiness of the stupid and malkind—the Japanese respect the roles each member play in our society.

This reality not only extends into the class system of Japan—still in place, working fine—thank you very much—remains clearly defined by the biological reality in which all societies of earth are founded upon.

Many moons ago, one was introduced to the Compound Effect.

The highly worthwhile compounded effects, were somewhat akin to a miracle at the time, but when in fact, a mere accumulation of small intentional acts, culminating in significant changes, over immeasurable moments of time.

The Compound Effect, however, is a double-edged sword.

All small things add up—creating a compound effect—if not kept in check, will infect, all relationships, like a stealthy cancer, creating hardship, malice, and, divide.

This is simple to mitigate, and the only realization necessary is:

Small things accumulated creating larger things as matter of Universal Truth.

The Japanese refer to this as—chiri mo tsumoreba yama to naru—piles of dust turning into mountains.

For most Japanese, the go-to protocol is to sweep it under the proverbial rug, pretending things that actually do—do not exist—hoping all their problems would just go away—they will not.

Before you know it, the honeymoon is truly well and over.

Here, there is a long and slow process to watching the object of one’s love and affection, turn into somewhat of a stranger.

Let us examine the most telling signs of the long tern success of a partnership based upon respect and open communication.

In the olden days, the toothpaste tube had a screw-on cap, thus presenting a more significant risk to divorce and malice, as opposed to today, where the cap is connected to the tube, saving countless heartaches and much sorrow.

During the honeymoon period, the status of the toothpaste cap is probably the furthest thing from the minds of the newlyweds.

This will change over time, as the innocuous, yet deficient inclination to not return the cap, may be considered an intentional affront to the entire core being of the beloved partner—on no intent or purpose, whatsoever.

At this critical early juncture, truthful and candid communication protocol is of significant consequence.

Perhaps there was some trauma revolving around toothpaste and its insubordinate wayward cap, in the deeply-seated subconscious of a distant and buried past.

The most important thing in life to keep in mind is:

Is it worth NOT returning the cap to its rightful place, only to create a never-ending underlying vibe of ill will and malice?

The answer to this question is clearly no.

A much better, and more productive rhetorical question would be:

Is this really about something as mundane as personal hygiene products—OR, is this particular episode a plea for others to fulfill wants, needs, and desires of each other.

As uncomfortable as this may seem, being honest and frank via unpleasant verbal interaction, is the soul path to creating long lasting harmonious clan relations, based upon the ancient conventions of Universal Truth as described by Shotoku Taishi in the original constitution of the Japanese.

On the other side of any serious talk, no matter how grave, is a lifetime of love and mutual respect, not only for the beloved partner, but also for one’s own-self.

Remember, people only change when they want to.

Changing from one who return the cap to the correct destination, and one who does not, is strictly a personal affair.

The ultimate life shortcut, is looking at things from a different angle, and not to be set in ones ways.

Flexibility is the key, and really, although the Japanese are not generally considered to be flexible people, they are practical and adaptable when in the best interest of the whole.

So, pop on the cap back, say you are sorry, and truly embrace each day as one compounds the karma and energy surrounding one’s own life, as we all wander along our way.