We Are Inspired by the Joys of the World!

While the quest for happiness is universal, each culture has its own ways of defining or achieving it. Coming from all five continents, discover those that inspire you.

Behind the words or expressions used in the four corners of the world to conceptualize happiness, “it is a whole universe of values, history and ways of life that springs up”.

From the Pacific Sun to the Scandinavian ices, in all latitudes, the art of happiness – or whatever resembles it, the concept of happiness is very Western – depends as much on the physical reality of the places – climate, topography… – as it does on in their minds: the gods (sometimes modern) and myths. History of transcending adversity and celebrating life.

It always results in a law that benefits everyone. This is why, despite the multiple distances that separate us, we all have an ingredient to draw from the pharmacopoeia of distant happiness.

In South Africa: fraternity and mutual aid above all else!

Ubuntu: in the Bantu language, this very old word means “human being among others”. It evokes values ​​of common humanity and fraternity based on mutual aid and compassion. The fight against apartheid gave it a social and political dimension. Ubuntu embodies the foundation of the struggle against racial segregation and for national reconciliation.

“I am because others are” (Desmond Tutu), expresses the dimension of gratitude and necessarily transmission, of ubuntu. A philosophy that is the polar opposite of individualism of the illusion that we have ourselves and that, therefore, we owe nothing to anyone.

In Egypt: the festival of the senses thanks to music and song!

Tarab: In arable, this word expresses an intense emotion, a kind of ecstasy caused by the beauty of a traditional music or song. The communion between the spectators and the artist creates a phenomenon of trance where each one surrenders to the music through all his senses, without reflection or control.

The goal is to merge together, in the density of the present moment, in search of a state of grace accessible through the melody and sound of the instruments. Deeply regenerating, tarab translates a sensory and ephemeral vision of happiness. .

In Tanzania and Kenya: harmony of opposites!

The 4 Masaai circles of life: For this semi-nomadic people, a happy life consists in harmonizing the different facets of being. Great physical and mental power and the recognition of one’s vulnerability are at the heart of this double wisdom represented by 4 circles.

The first combines strength and fragility. The second represents the quest for joy, which is within you, but is experienced together. Obstacles and difficulties are integrated as a dimension of life, and deserve our recognition because they make us grow.

They are represented by the third circle. The last circle invites you to channel your strengths to give meaning to your life. Correctness, gratitude and connection with others are a source of intense joy.

In Northern Canada: calm acceptance of what cannot be changed!

Ayurnamat: This word reflects the realistic philosophy of the Inuit, who live in the glacial zones of Canada and Greenland, in particularly difficult conditions. In essence, it means: rather than in vain resist and suffer the situation, better make peace with what is not in our hands and over which we have no control.

This acceptance brings inner peace. The phrase “Ayurnamat!” Is used across Canada to mean “There is nothing we can do about it!” And not to get stuck in a fruitless fight or let yourself be overcome by worry that is as stressful as it is unnecessary.

In Chile: dance life in all its forms!

Biodanza: This concept, invented in the 1960s, advocates an art of living based on the physical theory of the movement of life. It is a mindfulness meditation through movement, a dance of the body and the mind to reconnect them and let go of the mind.

“You have to dance as if no one is watching”, listening to your surges of life, your urges for movement and your breathing. Its fundamental axes are five in number: creativity, vitality, sexuality, affectivity and transcendence.

A biodanza session, “dance of life”, allows you to reach a state of psycho-bodily and emotional fullness close to total happiness. It is now promoted through associations and federations in most Western countries.

In Arizona: Fueling Earth’s Energy!

Earthing: The Earthing movement was born from a general observation: human beings are no longer in direct contact with the earth. Floor coverings and the wearing of shoes cut us off from earth energy, which is as vital as light. By walking barefoot on the sand and on the grass, by lying down in nature, we connect with its vibrations, a source of balance and deep well-being.

In Indonesia: respect and collective celebration!

Guyub: To be happy, we strengthen the bonds of the community by creating mutual aid and security networks. The key to happiness is community life. Each joy or success is celebrated by all and in the event of a hard blow, the support is general, the sorrow shared.

A lifestyle that allows you to be soothed and serene: a study confirms that the immune system of the Javanese is stronger because people are less stressed.

In India: knowing how to do with what you have and sublimate it!

Jugaad: This word can be translated as “resourcefulness” and consists of being happy with little, doing with what you have and making it sublime. This particularly stimulating optimistic view consists of using constraints (a lack of money, for example) as a positive force which enables one to find solutions, to be creative and to innovate.

In Japan: a global sensory experience with trees!

Shinrin yoku: To cut off all sources of modern stress and distraction and connect with our 5 senses, nothing beats a “forest bath”. Hold a tree in your arms, observe the rays through its leaves, listen to the sounds of the wind in the branches, smell the bark of trees and the scent of leaves… An infusion of calm happiness in all the cells of our body.

In Finland: give yourself time to indulge yourself!

Kalsarikänni: Spend a few hours hanging out at home, naked (in underwear), slumped in front of a series with a glass in hand. This somewhat guilty pleasure, since it is not to occupy your time, intelligently, allows you to rest your body and your mind, the better to start again.

For Finland is also the land of sisu, who, conversely, sees tenacity and determination as the keys to a happy life. This deep psychological strength brought by sisu allows you to take a step back to move forward in life and thrive in your projects.

It is also a source of resilience. In this context, the kalsarikänni is a necessary parenthesis of self-indulgence, a carelessness that acts as a safety valve and guarantees a balance

In Sweden: gourmet breaks to recharge your batteries!

Fika: This word is the verlan of the word coffee in Swedish: “kaffe”. It is not an art of living in itself, but an element which certainly contributes to the level of happiness of the Swedes, one of the highest in the world.

The fika break, made up of a drink and a pastry, often a coffee and a cinnamon roll, is used to disconnect, from your computer and files, for example, or from any routine schedule.

This moment is shared by many, because good company and pleasant conversation are as tasty as the cake you eat. This break keeps you in a good mood and restores energy. It allows employees to be happy at work, while boosting their productivity …

In Australia: a spiritual bond between people, animals and the elements!

Dreamtime: This “dream time” is that of the creation of the universe by the spirits who are the ancestors of the Aborigines. It is synonymous with a vital source and is embodied in the link between past and future, men, animals and all the elements of nature: rocks, rivers, mountains and sky with which the Aborigines live in osmosis.

They do not believe in property private but in the spiritual bonds between humans and all natural elements. They believe that we do not own the land, that it is the land that owns us.

In New Zealand: caring for others and the environment!

Manaakitanga: This Maori word describes nature and caring for others in all areas of daily life. Love and respect, given and received, is a source of confident happiness that makes you feel comfortable and welcomed.

Reflecting the hospitality of the Maori people, which today serves to promote tourism, while it also expresses the deep respect one has for the land and the environment.

In the regions of Oceania, Mana, which we find in this word, covers a divine dimension, a supernatural power which is expressed in an individual or a place, also in an object.

Reference: https://mindfulminutes.com/12-traditions-from-around-the-world/