Simply..live....

8/11/2017

...according to customs from other cultures.

I love how easy it is with the internet to learn about, and from, other cultures. Ikigai from Japan is new to me, and I found this piece on the Amish attitude to technology fascinating. Hygge I have adopted, and when I studied in Sweden I participated every day in Fika, and became aware of Lagom.

Do you know of any others? Thanks giving is a beautiful idea.

I couldn't resist browsing on this Swedish site and thought this article was topical!

Red berries on a grey day.

8 Comments

Mary

9/11/2017 02:25:01 am

I knew I would learn something new from your foray into cultural influences...and I did. Though I have spent a fair amount of time in Amish country (indeed, there is an Amish community in the next county), I did not know the background about how they determine whether or not to integrate certain technologies into their community. It does say something (less positive) about the general willingness of most (US) society to mindlessly adopt any new tech without really thinking about how it might negatively impact their lives down the road. Look at the dependence on mobile phones--which is generally now is not just a phone (on which folks now mostly text, not talk), but instead one must have a 'smartphone' which I sometimes think is intended to make us dumber. How many phone numbers can you remember off-hand anymore? I used to know dozens.

I am with the Swedes on the idea of taxes and lagom. I don't mind paying my fair share of taxes to support the general good, but clearly, I am in the minority in the US--and elsewhere--as evidenced by the findings in the Paradise Papers. And being satisfied with 'enough' is clearly not something a (US) consumer-based economy wants anyone to adopt. But it is the one thing I said repeatedly to my children as they grew, if you have a roof over your head and food in your stomach, you are one very lucky person. Be thankful.

Sorry--got wound up over this, but it is a great topic and looking at how other cultures adapt/adopt ways of living is endlessly fascinating.

Freda

10/11/2017 12:09:20 pm

Glad you liked these links so much Mary! I like the question 'To what problem is this technology a solution?' I hope we ask it of robotics and AI...

Lotta link

9/11/2017 10:25:33 am

Great links Freda, thanks. Particularly enjoyed the Amish/technology one.
I think the thing I love about many customs is that they have purpose and meaning - a focus... a celebration... a respect for something... an acknowledgement of a moment, however small or simple.
Can I recommend a custom from fiction? The Second Breakfast... I and hobbits everywhere have been enjoying it for years!

Freda

10/11/2017 12:10:34 pm

I had to look up Second Breakfast Lotta! There are blogs, clubs, books...who knew? I didn't.

Liz

10/11/2017 07:49:34 am

Great links. I loved the idea of cosy Fridays. I think we had them when our daughters were at home.

Freda

10/11/2017 12:11:24 pm

And/or Lazy Sundays.

Julia

11/11/2017 02:32:38 am

Everything is just better with food and with friends..:-)

Damsonlily

11/11/2017 04:06:43 am

Are all the practices you mentioned (including Swedes and their taxes) about balance and well-being perhaps?
In far northerly climes where winter rules, people must value the concept of keeping some sanity through the long winter darkness and night. Being in good terms with your neighbours and friends is essential, you need their support and the sense of security it gives.

The Japanese ikigai is slightly different, I think. It builds on the tradition of contemplation and calm. Being content within yourself. Understanding what is actually “enough”.

Thank you, Freda, I have learned of all of these concepts from you and they are very absorbing. Your photo is definitely just enough in terms of colour balance and beauty.

Lotta, yes! I am reminded of childhood and pikelets (now called crumpets) cooked on the fire with the toasting fork, in dark autumn afternoons. Hobbits have always resided at our house.....

Simply..live....

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