September 8, 2025
The term “ENSO” is one that is foreign to most of us simply because we have been raised in a Western Culture.
The ENSO is nothing more than a circle at first glance.
When searching online, the simple definition is one that states it is a complete circle symbolizing freedom and wholeness.
However, I want to take a different perspective on this, one that was taught to me from a mentor of mine.
The open circle.
If you have ever taken a drawing class, one of the most difficult shapes to draw in pure orthogonal structure (meaning that it is as accurate as possible) is a complete circle.
In training in calligraphy, the Japanese would constantly work at this free hand stroke with one dip of their quill in ink and then an attempt at the perfect circle that is at the top of this blog.
Obviously this is a skill that took many attempts over a long period of time to master.
However, the true skill lies in leaving the circle open.
You see, an open circle signifies mastery of the shape but also the humility to recognize that you can still get better.
In simple terms: mediocrity or mastery.
I look at the ENSO as a discipline in how we approach our life.
Too often, too many of us succumb to the temptation of mediocrity after we have achieved what we perceive to be mastery.
Examples:
“I lost all this weight”…a month later I am back to the habits that made me huge
“I finally eliminated ___ symptom”…a month later I quit the process that helped me eliminate it
“I achieved ___ goal”….a month later you slip back into the habits that kept you from it
Our lives are riddled with areas of mediocrity and the examples can go on and on and on.
The challenge of the ENSO with an open circle is to remind yourself that no matter how good you are or perceive your pillars of health to be, there is always room for improvement in all facets of your life.
Those who are truly on the path to mastery have the courage to leave the circle open even though you know you can close it with the best of them.
This goes to show that our approach to how we do one thing in life translates into how we do everything.
The key factor is, you can never quit in your pursuit of mastery.
The minute you believe you have arrived is the minute mediocrity becomes your life.
Keep the circle open and stay the course.
The choice is yours.
Mediocre or Master
