How to Chill Out Like the Samurai

These men of mettle had a surprisingly relaxed disposition

A photo of samurai in armor by Kusakabe Kimbei. Public domain

Our inner character is reflected in our outer expression, and to improve everything from how we carry ourselves to even the look in our eyes, classical literature says that a person must first refine his or her character.

Among the better self-help guides of the past is a Japanese book for samurai written by a 17th-century Confucian scholar named Yamaga Soko. In his book “Way of the Knight,” he explained that to make genuine improvements in outer appearance, a person must first look inward.

Calm the Mood, the Mind Will Follow

Soko gives a simple formula on how to refine yourself: Calm your mood, and your mind will follow.