Seven Global Concepts…inspiration for the New Year?
https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/blogs/amp/7-cultural-concepts-we-dont-have-in-the-us?__twitter_impression=true
By Starre Vartan Dec 30, 2014
Very thoughtful blog post, beautifully illustrated concepts
Friluftsliv Norwegian being outside is good for mind and spirit
Shinrin-yoku Japanese forest bathing
Hygge Denmark togetherness, coziness
Wabi-sabi Japanese embracing imperfections
Kaizen Japanese continuous improvement
Gemutlichkeit German means more than cozy (peak in winter)
Jugaad Hindi innovative fix (frugal)
I read about “forest bathing” in the American Way magazine (Dec 2016). https://americanwaymagazine.com/woodland-cureThey claim 25 percent of the Japanese population walk in wooded areas. The author forecasts doctors writing a prescription to get outdoors…instead of blood pressure medication!
Being outdoors: good for the mind and spirit…I think of Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, understatement-walking the Appalachian Trail. This same article refers to wabi-sabi which finds beauty imperfections. (Growing up, we called it “character”.)
The Kaizen concept is familiar to me thru my career in manufacturing. I like the “jugaad” notion. Many times that comes up when you least expect it trying to extend the life of clothing, furnishings, appliances, etc. https://www.graphicproducts.com/articles/what-is-kaizen/
Explore the links included. Great information. Happy New Year!
Tags: American Way magazine, concepts, Denmark, German, global, Hindi, inspiration, Japanese, Kaizen, Norwegian, Starre Vartan, wabi-sabi
elfcroft 