What can we learn from other cultures about positive emotional health? How can we use this to influence our own approach to life ?
Whilst on holiday in Croatia recently I began to notice something about the local people. They all appear so calm and relaxed, after a few days I noticed this mindset was beginning to influence me.
As a therapist I am fully aware of the importance of taking time out to relax but in a busy culture with often competing demands it can be difficult to achieve . I learnt that the Croatians actually have a word for this mindset Fjaka – the mindset of seeking nothing.
In the ancient town of Split, nestled along the Adriatic Sea, there was a term that was cherished above all else: fjaka. Literal translations may describe it as a time of idleness or a period of doing absolutely nothing. But for the locals, fjaka was a precious state of mind, almost like a meditative trance that allowed them to unwind, relax, and find solace in the present moment.
There was a profound reverence for fjaka in Split and the surrounding islands that extended to all aspects of daily life. Locals would often say that fjaka was the foundation of good mental health, and one of the essential ingredients of leading a balanced and fulfilling life. From a young age, children were taught to embrace fjaka, to savor it and allow it to wash over them, free from the distractions and pressures of the outside world.
For many visitors to Split, the concept of fjaka can be challenging to grasp. In a world that prizes productivity and achievement, the idea of doing nothing can seem reckless or even lazy. Yet, the wisdom of fjaka has stood the test of time, and its relevance in promoting positive mental health is becoming increasingly acknowledged worldwide.
In a society that is always-on, where stress, anxiety, and depression are common, fjaka offers a powerful antidote to the pressures of modern life. It allows us to slow down, to let our minds rest, and to connect with our inner selves in a way that is both calming and energizing.
For many people, fjaka can be a challenging state to achieve. It requires an acceptance of the present moment and a willingness to let go of the demands and distractions that keep us in a constant state of busyness. But for those who embrace fjaka, the rewards are immense. Increased energy, clearer thinking, and a greater sense of peace and contentment are just some of the benefits that come from committing to this practice.
During hypnotherapy sessions you will experience a very similar if not identical state of mind. Clients often report leaving therapy sessions with a clearer state of mind, increased energy and creativity.
In the end, fjaka is a reminder that true mental health and well-being cannot be achieved through relentless striving and doing. Sometimes, the most profound growth and healing comes from simply lying down, closing our eyes, and allowing the beauty of the world around us to flow through us, unencumbered by worry or fear. As the people of Split have known for centuries, fjaka is the key to a happy and fulfilling life, and the secret to unlocking our greatest potential.