BEAUTY /
THE EXPERTS
May 8, 2015
Model Jessica Michibata Interview: The Beginning of Beauty, Part 2
What is a Mental Care Method That Works on the Subconscious?
Jessica Michibata's "How to Be Beautiful" - Part 2
In this three-part interview series, model Jessica Michibata shares her methods for radiant beauty, both as a professional and as a woman, covering exercise, diet, and beauty routines. She says, "Self-improvement is my hobby," but considering her busy schedule, juggling work based in Japan while traveling the world, it's easy to imagine how challenging it must be to continuously refine and evolve her beauty. In this final installment, we'll ask her about the mental care methods she uses to enjoy both work and self-improvement with a positive outlook.
Click here for "How to Be Beautiful" - Part 1
Photographs by JAMANDFIXHair & Make-up by MICHIRU(3rd)Styling by KOHASHI RyokoInterview and Text by FUJITA MayuEdited by OPENERS
I've Recently Started Being Kinder to Myself
Jessica Michibata, who challenges herself with grueling races like full marathons and triathlons, also maintains rigorous training for them. She is known for her high level of beauty consciousness, and many likely perceive her as stoic. Indeed, she herself reflects on her past self that way, but it seems her thinking has shifted slightly recently.
"I've always been the type to give my all to everything, and I used to push myself so hard that I'd end up exhausting myself. But lately, I've started to be a little kinder to myself. For training, I used to push myself even on days I didn't want to go, but now I allow myself to rest when I truly need it. People who are hard on themselves tend to be hard on others. In that sense, I realized that if I want to be kind to others, I first need to be kind to myself. I still have a ways to go, though."
She says calmly, "I've naturally come to think this way over the past year or so," but it's a significant change. It's crucial to constantly grasp and communicate with your own physical and mental state, and the phrase "whether it feels comfortable for me" appears frequently in her conversation. Maintaining a neutral emotional state also seems important.
"I've incorporated meditation whenever I felt the need since I was young. Even just 5 or 10 minutes a day, or even just focusing on breathing, can improve your daily rhythm and help you stay in a neutral state. Meditation might sound like it has strict rules, like sitting in zazen, but the teacher I learned from believed it could be done with eyes open, so I have the freedom to choose my method and timing. I think it's best to find what works for you."
When asked about mental care, she introduced a book: Maria Akiyama's "100% Self-Causation Theory: To Be Loved by the One You Love Most in the World." She resonates with Akiyama's theories so much that she wrote a blurb for the book. Michibata has recently become interested in the world of the subconscious.
"This book explains her theories in the easiest way possible, so I think you'll enjoy reading it to the end. I've been interested in the 'unseen world' since I was a child, and for me, the entry point to the subconscious was through spirituality. Everyone has probably heard of concepts like the law of attraction or 'thoughts become reality,' but what you believe on a subconscious level will definitely manifest. Conversely, if something doesn't happen no matter how much you wish for it, it's because your subconscious is thinking something else. It connects to meditation, but it's about what you think on a subconscious level and how you input new information. I'm currently interested in developing this subconscious."
page1 To Be Kind to Others, Start with Yourself
page2 How to Develop Your Subconscious?
What is a Mental Care Method That Works on the Subconscious?
Jessica Michibata's "How to Be Beautiful" - Part 2
She became interested in developing the subconscious several years ago and has been practicing it by reading various related books. While it might sound complex, it's actually an effective method for everyday issues like breaking bad habits or succeeding at dieting.
"Since your thoughts manifest into reality, you think them, perhaps unwillingly, and act on them unconsciously. Subconscious development is about making that mechanism work in a positive direction."
"For example, almost nothing that happens in daily life occurs spontaneously. Whether it's in relationships, work, or human interactions, things basically follow patterns and repeat across different eras and people. It might be easier to understand if you write it down. To break negative cycles and rewrite them into new scenarios, you need to tell your subconscious that this information is no longer needed and input new, ideal information."
"This process of inputting information is called affirmation, which is essentially the law of attraction. However, if you try to layer new desires on top of existing subconscious information without clearing it first, you might not only fail but, in the worst-case scenario, things could even move in a negative direction, so be careful."
Michibata says, "It's enough to just delete unnecessary information and bring your subconscious to a neutral state." But how does one clear information from the subconscious in the first place?
"Whether good or bad, I choose it myself; it's 100% my responsibility. So, first, I confront myself to understand why my subconscious came to think that way, tracing back to the past to find the cause. Once I return to my core, I can finally choose which thoughts to keep in my subconscious. I decide whether I want to continue this reality or if this thought is no longer necessary and I'll adopt this new thought instead. In simple terms, I let go of what I don't need and replace it. Meditation might be an effective way to observe the subconscious and return to one's core."
Michibata is someone who thoroughly researches anything that interests her. During our conversation, topics jumped from one to another, and her vibrant, lively manner of speaking drew me in. While she certainly possesses a wide range of knowledge and a quick mind, it's her confidence in every word she speaks that makes listening to her so pleasant.
The idea that "what you believe on a subconscious level becomes reality" isn't just about fulfilling desires; it's also about the strength to believe in and affirm oneself. Her ability to constantly evolve and her inner strength to realize her potential are what make her so captivating and draw people to her. Rather than blindly chasing ideals, perhaps a new door will open by taking the time to look within oneself.
page1 To Be Kind to Others, Start with Yourself
page2 How to Develop Your Subconscious?
MICHIBATA Jessica
Born October 21, 1984. In addition to a wide range of activities in magazines, advertisements, and TV, she actively participates in events such as full marathons and volunteer work. Her books include "JESSICA’S SECRET: I'll Tell You Jessica Michibata's Secrets" (Kodansha) and "Where Happiness Is (Happiness Within)" (Shogakukan). Her hobbies include watching movies, yoga, photography, and learning languages.