How 'Thank You' Creates Healing: Learning from 'Tou-Tou-Hou-Ri' and the Cycle of Compassion

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The Chain of Gratitude Creates Healing: The Spirit of 'Tou-Tou-Hou-Ri'

In our daily lives, there are moments when a casual word or action makes us feel truly healed. A simple 'thank you,' a helping hand offered, or words of kindness—these are all small miracles that gently wrap around our hearts.

We can find the source of such healing in the ancient Chinese idiom 'Tou-Tou-Hou-Ri' (throwing a peach and receiving a plum in return).

What is 'Tou-Tou-Hou-Ri'?

'Tou-Tou-Hou-Ri' originates from the Chinese 'Classic of Poetry.' It is based on a beautiful episode where someone offered a peach to another person, and in return, they were gifted a plum.

This phrase means,

And this truly represents the cycle of a grateful heart. The exchange of peaches and plums is also an exchange of hearts.

By the way, both peaches and plums belong to the Prunus genus of the rose family, but while peaches have fuzzy skin, plums have smooth surfaces. In English, a peach is a 'Peach,' while a plum is a 'Plum.' The 'prune,' known for its iron and dietary fiber, is a type of plum.

The Healing Brought by 'Thank You'

How do you feel when someone says 'thank you' to you?

・A sense of relief that your actions had meaning
・Joy at the warmth of the other person
・Confidence that you were able to be of help

These positive emotions calm the heart and bring a sense of healing, like basking in the sun. And this is not just a one-way street.

The person who receives gratitude wants to pass that kindness on to someone else. Just like in 'Tou-Tou-Hou-Ri',

Kindness Without Expectation Deepens Healing

When we exchange words of 'thank you,' there is no expectation of a reward. There is only a pure desire to express gratitude.

Strangely enough, I believe it is that pure kindness that creates the deepest healing. The spirit of 'Tou-Tou-Hou-Ri' is the very symbol of that.

We can return the kindness someone gave us, like a 'peach,' in the form of a 'plum'.

Perhaps it is in that very process that healing is found.

Reflecting on experiences of being healed

Try to look back and remember.
・The warmth you felt when someone at a convenience store said, 'Please, go ahead.'
・Being recognized by someone unexpected and hearing them say 'Thank you.'
・A casual yet heartwarming comment of support received on social media.

These may all seem like trivial things. But perhaps each one has become a seed of 'thank you,' nurturing kindness within you.

And now, try passing on the 'plum' that is within you to someone else.

Conclusion: Healing is found within the cycle of kindness

The word 'healing' might sometimes sound like something special or extraordinary.

But in reality, it is very close to us, and it always exists within actions like saying 'thank you' or asking 'Are you okay?'

If you receive a peach, return a plum.

In such a natural cycle, we are healed, and we in turn heal others.

May the 'thank you' within you be a source of healing for someone else today as well.

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Reading to brighten your outlook and broaden your range of praise, with a theme of 'good fortune'.

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Strategically, to nurture people, praise them to help them grow. Increase your allies. It is the foundation of military strategy.

After all, when it comes to ancient China...

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