The Boundary Between 'Intuitive Gratitude' and 'Expressed Gratitude'

https://note.com/yakinikutabetai_/n/n21d94ef51f2c

Continuing from this article,
even if the 'thank you' you feel in your heart is a seed, it only becomes a beautiful flower that reaches the other person when you give it the water and light of 'action'.

In particular, I feel that 'thank you' for us Japanese is something a bit special, going beyond just words of gratitude.

The Japanese-specific 'gratitude through action'
While Japan has a culture of 'intuition' where things are understood without being said, there is also a unique mode of behavior where we intentionally express gratitude through means other than words.

First of all, the word 'Arigato' itself contains a sense of awe for something that is 'difficult to exist,' in other words, a 'rare miracle'.

That is perhaps why there is a latent feeling that gratitude for that 'preciousness' is not enough if it is only spoken.

The ultimate example of that action is 'bowing'.
Through the depth and duration of the bow, from a light nod to a deep bow, we express deep feelings of gratitude and respect that are difficult to put into words.

This can be called a '
silent act of gratitude' that uses the whole body to show that 'your actions have that much weight to me'.

Furthermore, the culture of 'souvenirs' and 'gifts of appreciation' is also like that.

When someone does something for you, you give a small token of appreciation, saying 'this is a thank you for the other day,' within a range that does not burden the other person.

This is a message through action that says, 'I haven't forgotten that you helped me.'

I think it is a wonderful game of catch where we reaffirm our feelings of gratitude by giving something that remains in physical form.

And then, 'Itadakimasu' before a meal and 'Gochisosama' after.

These are also 'gratitude through action' unique to the Japanese.

'Itadakimasu' is gratitude for receiving life and for everyone involved with the ingredients.

'Gochisosama' is gratitude for the labor of those who 'ran around' (chiso) to prepare the meal.

These are not just greetings, but I think they are ingrained in us from a young age as obligatory acts of gratitude in daily life.

Recently, people often say we should replace 'I'm sorry' (sumimasen) with 'thank you' (arigato), but that originally comes from the unique Japanese emotion where deep reserve and gratitude are mixed, feeling 'sorry for causing trouble' in response to the other person's labor and consideration.

That is precisely why I wonder if we want to cherish 'gratitude where words and actions match'.

Just thinking it in your heart isn't enough; that feeling of 'gratitude' only truly resonates with the other person when it is accompanied by visible actions, such as a bow or a gift.

And that 'extra effort' warms the relationship between both parties and becomes the energy that creates the next 'good thing'.

This is surely the mark of a 'wonderful person'.

Come on, let's also more consciously and pleasantly practice this culture of expressing gratitude through 'action' that we Japanese have cultivated😊

A little extra for you🍡
In the modern age, social media is an essential element as a place to 'express gratitude through action'.

While social media doesn't allow for physical bowing or handing over souvenirs, in its place, a new form of 'gratitude where words and actions match' is emerging, which could be called a 'digital bow'.

'Gratitude where words and actions match' on social media
It's not just thinking 'that's a good story' or 'that was helpful' in your heart, but actually turning that into 'action'—that is truly the 'extra effort' in the digital space.

I think there are mainly three specific actions that can be mentioned.

1. Pressing 'Like' or 'Love':
This is the simplest action to instantly transform the feeling of 'that's a good story' you had in your heart into visible energy.

For the creator, this single click becomes solid proof that 'my message is reaching people'.

It's not just a mere formality; it's a digital nod that says, 'I read it, thank you'.

Especially in Japanese social media culture, it seems that actively reacting is also seen as an act that deepens bonds with peers.

But you know, 'Likes' aren't just that, right? That part is in a paid article, but👩‍💻 please take a look if you'd like~

2. Leaving a specific 'comment':
This is the action that conveys the depth of your heart the most.
(I felt this deeply when I opened up the comment section✨)

'This article was really helpful!'
'This part really resonated with me!'
Conveying specifically what you are grateful for.

Since it takes time and energy to write, it is proof of your gratitude and respect for the other person.

For the person who created the content, this specific feedback is the best 'gift of thanks' that becomes 'creative motivation for the next project'.

3. 'Sharing' or 'spreading' the content
This is a form that elevates 'gratitude' into the action of 'support'.

"This person's article is amazing, I want everyone to read it!"
Sharing this with your own followers is
the ultimate expression of gratitude, saying, "I won't let your hard work go to waste. Let me help you spread it further."

Using your own influence to support someone else's work—this is what we can call the payback of the digital age.

Even in the highly anonymous digital space, these actions are a vital expression of "loyalty," telling the other person, "Your presence and your message are recognized and are creating value."

It means crossing the barrier of "it's fine because I feel it in my heart" and taking the extra step of "action."

That is likely what "digital gratitude through consistent action" is—the authentic Japanese culture of gratitude, transferred directly onto the new stage of social media.

Come on, let's all hold our smartphones tight and keep letting those feelings of "this is great" bloom and flourish through our actions! 😆