Find Joy in the Little Things: Exploring Sohwakhaeng (Yebin)

Today, the idea of happiness has become overly complicated. The “ideal” recipe for happiness is closely linked to monetary rewards and economic power, making it feel like a distant quest instead of something we can experience daily. But what if I told you happiness can be found anywhere? It could be the warmth of a loved one’s presence in the morning or exchanging a smile with someone on the street. Sohwakhaeng, a Korean idiom, invites us to explore these fleeting moments, cherish the simplicity surrounding us, and discover the trivial way of finding joy in life’s simplest task. 

Personally, some of my Sohwakhaengs await in the tiniest moments, such as the smell of burning firewood on a cold winter night, chugging down a cold cup of water after a burning workout, or even finding my favorite fruit on the produce aisle of the grocery store. These aren’t earth-shattering moments, but they are mine — tiny pockets of joy scattered throughout the tapestry of my daily existence, each being the celebration of the present moment. Whether these simple acts may be as simple as “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,” (a reference from The Sound of Music), it too can be a special moment that grows together to become a whimsical dance of its own. 

However, Sohwakhaeng isn’t just about feeling good at the moment. Rather, it’s about detaching ourselves from the hustle of life and taking a mental stroll of the things that often go unnoticed. This is not to say one should not strive towards the pursuit of personal goals or grand ambitions, but it’s about cherishing the small joys that connect us to our daily lives, that ultimately open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing greater happiness in our lives. I found that when you start treating yourself like a person rather than a project, your attention will shift from the state of survival to the moment of tranquillity, growth, and self-fulfillment. 

I know that living in today’s world can feel like a constant comparison game. Our social media feeds are flooded with curated content of personal achievements, projecting the picture-perfect life full of bliss. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your everyday life, the “behind-the-scenes,” to someone else’s highlight reel.

Yet, despite these persisting challenges, I found that finding joy in the ordinary, like Sohwakhaeng, becomes a powerful tool of resilience. Sohwakhaeng isn’t a cure-all, but it’s my dose of mental well-being. It’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate the present, and find joy in the seemingly mundane. Yes, life will still throw its curve balls, but Sohwakhaeng can help build a reserve of positive experiences, serving as a reminder that joy exists even amid challenges. It’s like having a mental piggy bank filled with happy memories, ready to be withdrawn when needed. And who knows, maybe your zen moment awaits you in a morning coffee, a cool summer breeze, or a beautiful sunset after a hard day at work. All it takes is a shift in perspective and a willingness to embrace the small wonders around you. So, what’s your Sohwakhaeng?