Yes, the metaphysics of van life can be seen as a form of, or closely aligned with, the philosophy of tabi. Both share fundamental principles and reflect a deep engagement with existential, aesthetic, and metaphysical questions about movement, impermanence, and self-discovery. Let’s explore how the two concepts interconnect:
1. Journey as Central
• Philosophy of Tabi: Tabi emphasizes the journey itself, not as a means to an end but as a transformative process where meaning emerges through movement and experience.
• Metaphysics of Van Life: Van life embodies this same ethos, where the act of traveling—through roads, landscapes, and transient spaces—becomes a metaphor for existence. The journey itself is the “home,” reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of life.
2. Impermanence and the Flux of Existence
• Philosophy of Tabi: Tabi is rooted in impermanence (mujō), accepting the transient nature of all things. Encounters, experiences, and moments are fleeting but meaningful.
• Metaphysics of Van Life: Similarly, van life is about embracing the impermanence of places, relationships, and routines. It finds beauty in the ephemeral nature of life on the move, rejecting static notions of permanence or rootedness.
3. Aesthetic Minimalism
• Philosophy of Tabi: Tabi values simplicity, incompleteness, and naturalness, often expressed through the aesthetics of wabi-sabi and the beauty of the ordinary. The focus is on experiences rather than material possessions.
• Metaphysics of Van Life: Van life shares this minimalist aesthetic, where living with less—stripped of excess and clutter—creates space for deeper reflection and connection. The raw landscapes, the wear and tear of the van, and the open road embody a similar aesthetic of simplicity and authenticity.
4. Solitude, Reflection, and Self-Discovery
• Philosophy of Tabi: Solitary travel is often celebrated as an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. The journey is not only outward but inward, revealing deeper truths about the self and existence.
• Metaphysics of Van Life: Van life often involves solitude and introspection, where the road becomes a space for confronting personal questions, embracing the wounds of existence, and seeking meaning in the unstructured flow of life.
5. Connection to Nature
• Philosophy of Tabi: Tabi fosters a deep connection to the natural world, often finding meaning in the changing seasons, rugged landscapes, and the interplay of light and shadow.
• Metaphysics of Van Life: Similarly, van life immerses individuals in nature, where the landscapes traveled through become part of the journey’s narrative. Living on the road fosters a sense of attunement to natural rhythms and an appreciation for the raw, untamed beauty of the world.
6. Ambiguity and Openness
• Philosophy of Tabi: Tabi embraces ambiguity, valuing the spaces between destinations and the unpredictable encounters along the way. It resists closure, focusing instead on the unfolding process.
• Metaphysics of Van Life: Van life thrives on the same openness, where plans are fluid, destinations are secondary, and meaning arises in the interstitial moments of the journey—between where you’ve been and where you’re going.
7. Existential and Metaphysical Dimensions
• Philosophy of Tabi: Tabi is existentially rich, reflecting the Zen-inspired idea that the journey mirrors the transient, ever-changing nature of existence itself.
• Metaphysics of Van Life: Van life, too, serves as a metaphor for existence, where the road represents life’s uncertainty and flux. Its metaphysics lies in accepting the journey as the primary mode of being, where each moment holds potential for insight and transformation.
8. Liminal Spaces
• Philosophy of Tabi: Tabi often takes place in liminal spaces—on roads, between towns, or in nature—where one is neither here nor there. These spaces allow for deep reflection and a sense of freedom.
• Metaphysics of Van Life: Van life is inherently liminal, existing in the in-between spaces of cities and wilderness, permanence and impermanence, home and away. It thrives in this ambiguity, finding liberation in being untethered.
Conclusion: The Metaphysics of Van Life as Philosophy of Tabi
The metaphysics of van life is a contemporary expression of the philosophy of tabi, where the act of traveling becomes a way of engaging with existence, aesthetics, and meaning. Both:
• Embrace the transient and the impermanent as essential to life.
• Value the journey itself over the destination.
• Celebrate simplicity, naturalness, and the beauty of incompleteness.
• Find profound meaning in solitude, reflection, and connection to nature.
If we see tabi as a timeless, universal philosophy of journeying, then the metaphysics of van life is its modern incarnation, adapted to the challenges and opportunities of the posthuman, Anthropocene world. It reflects how the ancient wisdom of tabi continues to resonate in contemporary life, offering a way to live thoughtfully and authentically in a transient and interconnected world.
