5 traditions from around the world that will make you happier
Sometimes, when you’re feeling like you’re in a slump, it’s hard to find something that will bring you out of it. It may be that you simply haven’t found the right way of looking at life. Do a little philosophical travelling and let these concepts from around the world inform your outlook.
1. Ho’oponopono – Hawaii
This Hawaiian word means “to make right” or “correction”, and in practice is a tradition of forgiveness and reconciliation. The way to achieve ho’oponopono is to put aside your grievances and connect directly with a person, usually through a conversation or mediated group discussion.
2. Ubuntu – Africa
Ubuntu is a malleable term from South Africa that can be used to describe humanity’s condition, or the ways in which an individual can be a part of society. Michael Onyebuchi Eze summarised Ubuntu by saying, “’A person is a person through other people’”. The practice of ubuntu could be contributing to a meaningful community by volunteering, being environmentally aware, or even striving for empathy before casting judgement.
3. Hygge – Denmark
While many companies will try to sell you ‘hygge’, this Danish concept is something that you feel, not something to be bought. Hygge is a difficult one to describe, as it has no literal English translation, but is a word used “when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary[,] as cosy, charming or special.”
4. Lagom – Sweden
This adequately tidy Swedish word means “just the right amount”. You can also think of it in terms of things being in moderation, balanced, simple, or suitable. A Swedish proverb states that “Lagom är bäst”, or “the right amount is best”.
5. Ikigai – Japan
This Japanese concept, similar to the French phrase “raison d’être”, means “a reason for being.” Individuals can spend many years searching for their ikigai, which, once found, is believed to bring satisfaction and meaning to one’s life. Some attribute ikigai as a reason for Japanese people having the world’s longest life spans – their purpose giving them a reason to get up every day.
Which of these concepts from around the world resonated most strongly with you? Let us know in the comments below.