A Simple Act That's An Expression Of Love

Take Pen to Paper: Edition 19 - It's easy to miss if you are not looking for it.

Twice this week, I was exposed to the origin of the Japanese kanji writing characters for love, 愛 and 恋, first in a newsletter, then in a movie.

I immediately felt the need to relate my experience with “ai.”

Kaki Okumura wrote an inspiring newsletter with an excellent explanation of how the kanji “ai” is derived from the characters meaning to look back. (See thought #2 below.)

Therefore, the kanji “ai” is said to be the feeling one has when they turn around to look at someone they care about. - Kaki Okumura

The beginning of February, a month we associate with love, is a good time to talk about “ai.”

As an adult, I found myself turning around to check on those I care about, my sons when they were young, my students at school, and my elderly parents. I wasn’t conscious of this act until I was responsible for children as a teacher or parent.

As my own sons grew into young men, I became the subject of “ai.” 

I don’t consider myself elderly. I am almost a foot shorter than my husband and two sons. When we are out walking together, I gradually fall behind. This is when I become the subject of “ai.”

Of course, they would check on me! They wouldn’t leave me behind. But it’s not quite like that. 

My youngest son consistently looks back to check on me. Actually, he stops to look back, then waits for me to catch up. He has done this since he was in high school. In fact, as uncle to my two granddaughters, he shows this same “ai.” Recently, he followed the one-year-old upstairs (without us knowing) to ensure safety while the rest of us talked in the kitchen.

I know that all of my guys love me, and we all love our granddaughters, but showing “ai” as the Japanese kanji describes, comes naturally to my youngest son.

Showing small actions that we care don’t come naturally to all of us. We must recognize and practice them. “Ai” is not an action done once. It should be practiced throughout relationships.

Who do you check on? Who checks on you?

Photo by S.G.S. Abel

7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good

1. I have other pictures like the above. A minute after this picture was taken, my youngest son, in the black t-shirt, stopped and waited for me. I knew he would. ❤

2. I recommend you read Kaki Okumura’s newsletter. She approaches it from a different perspective than I do. There is no link to share, but I can forward her newsletter. If you leave me a simple comment like “Yes,” or “Please share,” I will forward it to you. It’s a delightful read.

3. As Kaki mentions in her newsletter, our dog’s often look back to check on us. Check out this short video.

4. One of my favorite books about creativity is Austin Kleon’s Steal Like an Artist. It describes what I did with Kaki’s newsletter. I took her idea and wrote a personal piece about it.

5. Here is more information about “ai.” 愛 and 恋

6. It’s good to be open to what other cultures can teach us. I enjoyed this article about the Japanese art of aigamo in Vermont. Who doesn’t like ducks? 🦆🦆

7. I’m a sucker for any quote about kindness. “Be kind on your way up; you might cross paths with some of the same people on your way down. Be kind on your way down; you might cross paths with some people who might be able to help you up. In short: be kind; always.” -Matt Hogan, Kindness Travels, from his blog January 28, 2023. If you haven’t subscribed to Matt’s daily dose of inspiration, consider it.

Thanks for reading!

There are many ways to interpret the concept of “ai.” Call or text someone you care about. Don’t be put off if there’s no answer. Keep at it.

Don’t forget to make a simple comment if you want to read Kaki’s newsletter.

❤

Susan