Selfcare around the world: Mindfulness in other cultures

In our fast-moving world, self-care is becoming increasingly important – and at the same time more diverse. While the focus in this country is on apps for guided meditation, digital mindfulness trackers or journaling, it's worth taking a look beyond the cultural horizon: Every culture has found its own waysto calm down and connect with yourself. While in Western societies we often think of yoga, journaling or forest bathing, every culture in the world has its own form of mindfulness developed. Discovering this diversity can not only be inspiring, but also help to find new ways to achieve greater inner balance.

Mindfulness in the rhythm of cultures

Self-care is nothing new – it is deeply rooted in the traditions of many cultures. Whether spiritual, physical or communal: all over the world there are rituals that support people in Harmony with yourself to come. These cultural perspectives show us: Mindfulness is not a luxury, but a part of everyday life. Anyone who looks outside the box discovers a world full of wisdom - embedded in everyday routines, spiritual practices and deeply rooted life philosophies.

Japan: Ikigai and the Art of Conscious Living

In Japan plays the concept “Ikigai” – roughly translated as “that which is worth living for” – plays a central role. It is much more than a career goal, but a way of life. People who have found their Ikigai feel meaningful in their actions - be it at work, in the family or in social engagement. This orientation gives structure and depth to everyday life.

In Japan, mindfulness is also evident in seemingly small gestures: the devotion when preparing a bowl of matcha tea, the quiet appreciation of the cherry blossoms in spring or the order and aesthetics of the home. Everything follows the principle of presence – a lived attention for the moment.

Photo: Tuấn Kiệt Jr. / pexels

India: Yoga and Spiritual Connection

India is considered the spiritual center of Asia - and as Cradle of yoga. This practice encompasses much more than physical exercises: it is a holistic path that unites body, mind and soul. Yoga philosophy is about finding inner peace, observing the mind and lovingly accepting yourself.

Rituals such as lighting oil lamps in the evening, reciting mantras or smelling sandalwood incense sticks also create conscious islands of mindfulness in everyday life. Many begin their day with a small puja - a prayer ceremony in which fresh flowers, incense and a glowing flame are offered. The new day is welcomed, gratitude is practiced and a moment of silence is enjoyed before everyday life begins. The connection to divine energy - be it in nature, within or in the temple - is deeply rooted in culture and gives many people support.

Photo: Sam Kolder / pexels 

Thailand: Sabai Sabai – serenity in everyday life

In Thailand Serenity is more than just a virtue – it is a living culture. The principle “Sabai Sabai" stands for a relaxed, pleasant attitude to life. It means not rushing into things, letting go of worries and enjoying life in its simplicity. This inner attitude shapes social interaction as well as personal everyday life.

In a country rooted in Buddhist values, mindfulness and compassion are omnipresent. Temple visits, meditation, traditional healing methods and lovingly performed massages are deeply rooted rituals that bring body and mind into harmony. Sabai Sabai reminds us that calm, patience and a smile are sometimes the best medicine.

Photo: The Anam / unsplash

Sweden: Lagom – finding balance in life

„Lagom" is a word that can hardly be translated - and yet says it all. It means something like "precisely" and stands for a way of life that focuses on balance. Not too much, not too little. This attitude can be seen in very different forms in everyday Swedish life: conscious consumption, sustainable living, communal living and a deep connection with nature.

Lagom is Mindfulness in Scandinavian style – reduced, authentic and calm. Anyone who is inspired by this concept begins to reflect on the essentials. Stress becomes less, joy of life increases. The focus is on a harmonious interaction between all areas of life - an invitation to inner balance.

Photo: Andrea Davis / unsplah

Morocco: Hammam and the ritual of purification

Visiting a traditional hammams in Morocco is a sensory experience that goes far beyond physical care. It is an ancient ritual that enables cleansing on multiple levels: the skin, the mind and social interaction. The warm steam bath, the deep cleansing peelings with black soap and the final rest phase seem like a slowing down of life.

In many Moroccan households, weekly visits to the hammam are an integral part - not only for care, but also as an opportunity to feel yourself again. The connection to the elements, to scents such as eucalyptus or rose water, and the silent pause make the ritual an act of deep mindfulness.

Photo: Ata Ebem / pexels

Hawaii: Ho'oponopono – Forgiveness as Healing

Ho'oponopono is a Hawaiian forgiveness ritual, which is based on deep emotional and spiritual healing. It is practiced not only to resolve conflicts but also to find inner peace. The powerful sentence “I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I thank you. I love you.” acts like a formula for freeing yourself from emotional blockages.

This practice shows: Mindfulness also means taking responsibility for your own thoughts and actions. In a world where we often look outside for solutions, Ho'oponopono reminds us that true healing begins within - in connection with ourselves and others.

Photo: Daniel Torobekov / pexels

Mindfulness, as colorful as our world

These global self-care practices show that there is no right or wrong when it comes to mindfulness. Maybe one of these traditions will inspire you to integrate a new little ritual into your everyday life - whether it's a morning meditation, a conscious tea drink or a mindful walk. Every culture brings its own treasures – and we can learn from them. Whether it's the next conscious breath, a small tea ceremony or a walk without a cell phone - the invitation to Mindfulness is universal. Maybe it's precisely in diversity that we'll find what enriches our own self-care.