Achieving happiness is a universal goal, shared by all human beings. However, there is no single path to achieving this milestone. Different currents, authors and disciplines propose their own methods; but, beyond this, on a cultural level, each country also has its own concept of happiness and its own interpretation of how to achieve it. Discover the Korean perspective with the Nunchi method.
Apparently, Korea is not a nation that pampers itself with the mental health of its citizens. Indeed the index of suicides is about 26.7 per 100,000 inhabitants (a much higher figure than the world average of 9.35 per 100,000). By the same token, it may seem surprising that there is an interesting Korean cultural element to add to our daily lives.
However, let’s talk about a collectivist society, very focused on the common good and in establishing social relationships. Without a doubt, our human connections play a vital role in our path to success and fulfillment; therefore, it may be interesting to follow some of his precepts.
What is the Nunchi Method?
The term Nunchi or Noonchi means “eye strength” or “eye size”. While this literal translation sounds confusing and doesn’t provide much information, it can really be understood as “the ability to see beyond the apparent and achieve a deep understanding of what is happening around you.
It is aimed specifically at social relationships, which is why it is interpreted as the ability to intuit, perceive and understand the internal world of the other, your thoughts and emotions, and act accordingly. It is a concept very close to empathy and emotional intelligence (a construct proposed and popularized by Daniel Goleman in the 1990s).
The Nunchi method is an ancestral Korean practice, present since time immemorial in their collective imagination. Regard a much appreciated quality that is exalted from early childhoodas it is considered as important as learning to read or write.
In reality, more than a suggestion or a current, it is a social imperative. It is considered essential to be able to read the emotional world of others to achieve professional and social success, which is why it is carefully promoted in various fields.
How to apply the Nunchi method?
The Nunchi method invites us to consider at all times that, just like us, others have their own thoughts, opinions and emotions, and that we must take them into account. Run away from individualistic and selfish approaches, and it pushes us to do so look beyond yourself to understand another’s perspective.
AND ability to infer other people’s mental states is part of the so-calledTheory of mind». It develops around the age of 4 and allows children to understand that others have their own point of view, different from their own, and to attribute thoughts and emotions to them. It would be something like, “I think you feel this way” or “I think you feel this way.”
The truth is that, although it is a natural human ability, which develops as cognitive maturation progresses, it is important to practice it. We don’t always take the time to get out of our world to focus and understand each other. So, to do that, we mainly need to put the following two strategies into practice.
Pay attention to non-verbal language
The non-verbal elements of communication give us valuable and very comprehensive information about what the other person is thinking or feeling. His body posture, his gestures, his tone of voice… all this guides us towards understanding their internal world. Knowing how to pay attention to these signs is an art that we must perfect.
While this ability is useful in any social interaction situation, it is especially useful if we are interacting with children or non-verbal people. When language is not available as a means of communication, these signs are essential for understanding and responding to each other’s needs.
Moreover, the context must also be taken into consideration to create a global picture and reach an understanding. For example, if we see a child crying outside the group, we can assume that he has had a problem with others or that he has been rejected and this causes him pain. From this, we can act accordingly, for example by offering comfort or facilitating integration into the group.
Active listening
On the other hand, it is essential to develop the ability to listen, but do it with dedication and genuine interest. If we listen to people, they often tell us clearly how they feel and think.
However, we are so concerned with our point of view that we only think about what we will respond to before we even give ourselves the time to truly listen and understand. Active listening is essential to apply the Nunchi method, as it is the door to that internal foreign world that we try to discover and understand.
The Nunchi method: the technique that helps us to be happy and successful
By now, you may be wondering how being quick and accurate in capturing the mental and emotional states of others can help you individually. Perfecting this art can open many doors for you. the nunch method it helps us create bonds of trust, relate better to other people and avoid unpleasant situations.
By putting the needs of others on an equal footing with our own, by understanding their emotions and thoughts, we will navigate the social world with ease and success. This can lead us to consolidate good business, obtain job promotions and win the favor and appreciation of others. Therefore, our relationships will be fuller and more satisfying.
In short, the Nunchi method can significantly improve yours well being and get closer to achieving your goals. Why not start practicing it?
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