수확행 Sohwakhaeng

Sohwakhaeng — small but certain happiness

I came across this concept while watching some idol group videos, particularly BTS. After a series of research of articles and tweets, I found out that Taehyung introduced the word to fans in 2018, which of course was new learning to non-Koreans. The concept was originally introduced by Haruki Murakami in 1986 in his essay titled Afternoon in the Islets of Langerhans. The original Japanese term was 小確幸 (shougakkou), which can be broken down as 小 meaning small, 確固 (shortened) meaning resolute or unshakeable, and 幸 meaning happiness or fortune. Murakami described things and experiences such as seeing well-organized underpants in a drawer which bring "small but certain happiness".

While the concept itself is not anything new, I took a liking to it, too. Sometimes, we become so engulfed by the hustle and frustrations of life, that we become short-sighted. Then, there are these little things that make us smile, especially when they come when we don't expect them. Most of the time, these little things are too mundane to be given special attention to. And when we notice them, they get forgotten too easily as well, because the moments themselves are quick and fleeting.

I just thought that identifying the little things that make us happy is a good self-awareness and appreciation practice.

Here's my 수확행 List:

1. Remembering a dream and it doesn't fade away after waking up

2. Grocery shopping, and the total amount is within the budget

3. Understanding a complete Japanese sentence without subtitles

4. Winning Minesweeper, especially if there is a dilemma for the last mine

5. Light breeze and drizzle with an elegant dress, perfect weather for an imaginary music video

6. Reconciling personal financial records with actual balances

7. Window shopping, and finding great finds

8. Writing a full blog in one seating

9. Waking up before my alarm rings off

10. Finding that specific sleeping position for ultimate comfort