Self-Love Across Cultures: Insights from Japan, Scandinavia, Hawaii, and Africa
Bert Nguyen
Associate Language Manager and Copywriter at Flynde
Coming from Vietnam—a country where communal values outweigh individualism—I find self-love an interesting and resourceful concept. Surely, we still appreciate this concept, but in a very subtle and subdued fashion. From a broader perspective, this is defined and practised very diversely across cultures. To celebrate this self-love month, let’s delve into four fascinating cultural philosophies: Japan’s wabi-sabi, Scandinavia’s hygge, Hawaii’s ho‘oponopono, and Africa’s Ubuntu.
Japan: Embracing Imperfection through Wabi-Sabi
You may have encountered examples of the wabi-sabi philosophy even if you've never been to Japan: a broken bowl repaired with gold, an imperfect flower pot, or an asymmetrical DIY piece. Simply put, wabi-sabi encourages the acceptance of imperfection and impermanence as a source of beauty and fulfilment. With roots in Zen Buddhism, this concept shifts the focus from striving for perfection to appreciating life's natural flaws. It symbolises resilience and the beauty found in imperfection.
Sometimes, all it takes to enjoy life is to take it a bit less seriously.
In the context of self-love, wabi-sabi encourages individuals to embrace their imperfections. It reminds us that self-love isn't about attaining the impeccable but rather about appreciating one's imperfections as part of a beautiful, evolving self. Beauty can even emerge from scars and failures, as these experiences make your life unique and meaningful.
Scandinavia: Comfort and Well-Being with Hygge
Picture yourself curled up on a plush sofa in a cosy wooden cabin. Sunlight filters through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow on your hand as you savour a cup of hot chocolate and lose yourself in the pages of your favourite book. To the Scandinavian, this is the epitome of hygge. This cultural concept emphasizes simple pleasures like lighting candles, enjoying warm drinks, or spending quiet time with loved ones.
Hygge may just come from your morning ritual.
Hygge encourages self-love by prioritizing comfort and mental peace. It’s about taking moments to pause, disconnect from stress, and indulge in joyful activities. For Scandinavians, self-love is deeply intertwined with creating balance and finding joy in life’s little things. Seems legit for your work-life balance?
Hawaii: Healing with Ho‘oponopono
Love may stem from anything you do or say. This is particularly true for Hawaiian ho‘oponopono. This practice focuses on reconciliation and forgiveness, both with others and within oneself. It involves repeating four phrases: “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “Thank you,” and “I love you.” Traditionally used to resolve family conflicts, it has evolved into a global self-help tool for emotional healing.
Remember to check in with yourself.
Ho‘oponopono highlights self-love through the lens of emotional cleansing. By forgiving oneself and expressing gratitude and love, individuals release burdens and cultivate inner peace. This practice underscores the importance of self-compassion as the foundation for overall well-being. In reserved cultures such as China, Korea, and, in my case, Vietnam, vocal expressions of gratitude may initially seem odd, yet its emotional impacts are manifold.
Africa: Collective Strength through Ubuntu
Yes - it’s the name of the operating system your developer friend is using. And no, we’re not talking about computers. Instead, this is a philosophy found in Africa that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people. Translating to “I am because we are,” Ubuntu teaches that self-love is not an isolated act but part of a more extensive web of relationships. By caring for oneself, individuals are better equipped to support their communities.
“I am because we are.”
Self-love in the Ubuntu context involves recognizing one’s intrinsic worth and understanding that personal well-being contributes to collective strength. For example, traditional African practices often include communal gatherings, storytelling, and shared meals that nourish the individual and the group.
These cultural perspectives reveal that self-love is both universal and deeply personal. Whether it’s through embracing imperfection, creating comfort, practising forgiveness, or fostering community, each philosophy offers valuable lessons on how to nurture oneself. Together, they remind us that self-love is a journey of acceptance, connection, and care that transcends cultural boundaries.
COFFEE WITH BERT
This is to bring you the richness of global traditions straight to your desktop.
Join Bert Nguyen - one of our copywriters, as we journey beyond borders—celebrating diversity, bridging cultures, and uncovering the stories, places, and people that make our world so fascinating.
