Ever wonder how different cultures approach life's biggest challenges? Throughout my travels and studies, I've discovered that ancient wisdom often holds the key to modern living. These fifteen philosophies and frameworks from around the world have transformed how I navigate life's complexities.
African Wisdom
🇰🇪 HarambeeHarambee is a Kenyan principle centered on collective effort and solidarity. It emphasizes the power of community, encouraging everyone to work together toward common goals. The philosophy teaches that through unity and shared responsibility, communities can accomplish what individuals cannot alone.
I've incorporated Harambee into my life by working hard to provide community for myself and others in multiple ways. This shows in my company FRAUVS, which I built to be a place of coming together where people can learn from each other. Specifically for Black women in tech, who shouldn't have to learn the ins and outs of the industry alone or face challenges in isolation. This philosophy also inspired me to build a new community called "we are wired differently" - a space where neurodivergent people can come together and find each other. It's really hard for neurodivergent people to forge networks, friendships, and connections.
This new community allows people to find matches and learn from each other, recognizing that something like ADHD manifests differently for everyone. Sometimes two people might have the same experience, but one has found frameworks that work while the other hasn't. Harambee guides me to create spaces where we can all learn collectively.
Asian Philosophies
🇯🇵 IkigaiIkigai represents the intersection of four essential elements: what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This Japanese framework suggests that finding your life's purpose lies in the balance of these four components, creating a fulfilling and sustainable way of living.
My approach to Ikigai differs from what many people, especially on the internet, think it's about. Instead of focusing solely on finding work purpose, I use it to understand my broader purpose in life and what truly fulfills me. I've learned that you cannot find your work purpose or community purpose until you dig deep within and find your own purpose first. Finding my Ikigai has helped me figure out who I am in this world, why I'm here, and how daily micro-actions can contribute to a balanced life where I feel fulfilled while also helping fulfill others, whether through community work or other means. It's helped me clarify what I want in my life, family, friends, and career, what I will tolerate, and what's truly best for me. Ikigai has taught me to put on my oxygen mask first.
🇯🇵 KaizenKaizen, meaning "continuous improvement," is a Japanese business philosophy that emphasizes making small, consistent changes rather than dramatic overhauls. It's based on the idea that tiny, regular improvements compound over time to create significant positive change.
Kaizen is something so dear to my heart because I always feel like critical thinking is something that as a society we're losing. I implement it every day by taking the time to stop and think, "Can this thing be improved?" This "thing" could be anything in my day, my life, my thinking, my social interactions - there's always room for improvement. It's a daily practice of constantly trying to figure out how I can improve something in my life.
🇯🇵 Wabi-SabiWabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. It teaches acceptance of life's transient nature and celebrates the marks that time and use leave on objects and experiences.
Implementing Wabi-sabi was really hard for me at first, but I've learned to aim to do my best without beating myself up if I don't achieve perfection. I've come to realize that perfection is unrealistic - no one can do everything perfectly. You can try, but it's detrimental to even attempt it. Practicing Wabi-sabi has actually helped me simply become content in life, accepting imperfection as part of the journey.
🇯🇵 Shinrin-YokuShinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," is a Japanese practice of mindfully immersing oneself in nature. It's not about exercise but rather about connecting with the natural world through all five senses, proven to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Shinrin-yoku has been extremely transformative in my life, especially over the past year and a half as I've gone through some traumatic life experiences. It's helped keep my autistic meltdowns, anxiety, and anger at bay. I've found it particularly effective in regulating my nervous system, and I've noticed an overall improvement in my calmness and breathing. I enhance the practice by pairing it with Dirga Pranayama breathing techniques.
🇯🇵 HanseiHansei is a Japanese practice of rigorous self-reflection, often used in business and personal development. It involves honestly acknowledging mistakes and areas for improvement, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
I practice Hansei almost daily, always reflecting on how I can be a better person and how I could have handled situations differently. For example, I recently had an issue with a family member that I handled horribly in the moment - it was a survival tactic response. Looking back through Hansei, I realized I could have been calmer and more communicative. I'm constantly looking at times in my life where I might not have been my best or might have failed, using these reflections to do better in the future.
🇯🇵 OubaitoriOubaitori uses the metaphor of four different blossoming trees - plum, cherry, peach, and apricot - to teach that each person blooms in their own time and way. This Japanese concept emphasizes the importance of following your own path rather than comparing yourself to others.
Oubaitori was initially hard for me to implement, but I embraced it early in life. As a young, single Black woman, I faced immense pressure to get married and follow traditional paths. Since a very young age, I've felt pressure to get married and have kids, when honestly, I've always struggled with whether I actually want either of those things. Unlike other aspects of my life where I feel certain, marriage and children have never felt like definite wants. Practicing Oubaitori has helped me realize that it's okay to want to do things my own way, focusing instead on travel and life experiences.
European Perspectives
🇫🇮 SisuSisu is a Finnish concept representing extraordinary determination in the face of extreme adversity. It's about pushing through against all odds, having the courage to act against the odds and exceeding your preconceived limitations.
I've been practicing Sisu more recently, and it's helped me learn to be more resilient through various challenges: being a Black woman in foreign countries, being misunderstood as a neurodivergent person, and being around people with very limited mindsets. Sisu has taught me to thrive in these environments regardless of circumstances or others' attitudes.
🇩🇰 HyggeHygge is a Danish concept that encompasses creating warm, cozy atmospheres and enjoying life's simple pleasures with good people. It's about finding comfort and contentment in everyday moments.
I discovered Hygge a couple of years ago, and I practice it wherever I go. I always aim to create a space where I feel comfortable and cozy, ensuring there's at least one thing that makes me feel at home, no matter where I am. Usually, I buy a plant, flower, or candle. I'm really attuned to smells, and they help keep me calm, so that's how I create Hygge wherever I go - it keeps me grounded.
🇫🇷 Joie de VivreJoie de Vivre, the French "joy of living," emphasizes finding pleasure and excitement in life's everyday moments. It's about cultivating a deep appreciation for daily experiences, from morning coffee to evening walks.
I learned about Joie de Vivre when I went to France. It's about taking the time to appreciate life and the small things - like meeting someone at a French coffee shop and having a conversation about life and the world, finding joy in that interaction and the simple fact of encountering a kind human being.
🇫🇷 L'art de vivreL'art de vivre, the French "art of living," focuses on cultivating elegance and refinement in all aspects of life. It's about approaching daily activities with intention and appreciation for quality over quantity.
I've learned to practice L'art de vivre by focusing on living fully regardless of my circumstances and bringing intention to every interaction. It's helped me learn to be content in life, finding elegance in simplicity rather than excess.
🇫🇷 Épater les bourgeoisÉpater les bourgeois is a French phrase meaning "to shock the middle classes," originally used by artists and writers who challenged conventional thinking. It represents the courage to live authentically despite social pressure.
This is my MO in life - I'm always someone who likes to have contrary thinking in everything. Whatever everyone else is thinking, I try to immediately understand the opposite perspective. So many people focus on following others versus forming their own thoughts, opinions, and understanding. I definitely always challenge societal and social norms.
🇩🇪 BildungBildung is a German educational and cultural ideal focusing on the holistic development of an individual through continuous learning, self-reflection, and cultural engagement. It emphasizes becoming a well-rounded person rather than just acquiring specific skills.
I embrace Bildung through my polymath approach to learning and growth. Rather than specializing in one area, I continuously explore diverse subjects, from technology to philosophy, art to science. This framework supports my belief in lifelong, multifaceted learning.
Indigenous Wisdom
🌺 Ho'oponoponoHo'oponopono is a Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness, traditionally used to maintain harmony within communities. It involves four key phrases: "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "Thank you," and "I love you."
I use Ho'oponopono both as a personal meditation practice and in my approach to relationships. When facing conflicts or internal struggles, these four phrases help me maintain perspective and work toward healing. It's particularly valuable in maintaining long-distance relationships while living nomadically.
Scandinavian Community
🇳🇴 DugnadDugnad is a Norwegian custom of communal volunteering where people come together to help their community or neighbors. It represents the spirit of voluntary work for the common good.
Wherever I find myself, I look for ways to practice Dugnad. This might mean helping a neighbor move, contributing skills to a community project, or organizing events that bring people together. Even as a temporary community member, I believe in contributing to the collective good.
These philosophies and frameworks aren't just concepts I've studied; they're living practices that guide my daily decisions and actions. They've helped me create a life that's both globally informed and personally authentic. What wisdom from other cultures has shaped your life? These teachings show us that despite our differences, humans have been solving similar challenges for centuries - we just need to be open to learning from each other.
