Language of Love: How Culture Teaches Us To Care

We have a sweet holiday coming up.

Valentine’s Day - it’s often spoken in the language of roses, cards and romance. This is special indeed.

However, love, or in Greek we say agape - which is a form of love that is selfless and unconditional - has many dialects.  Some of the most meaningful ones aren’t spoken at all. 

In many cultures, love is expressed through care- through being present respectful, and everyday gestures that say, I see you, I honor you; YOU MATTER.     

Serving before being served, these are not small things they are acts of love that last.

For Valentine’s Day think about how we care for one another.

Quite possibly love isn’t something we give to one person, maybe it’s something we practice with everyone. 

AND maybe the best way to celebrate-is to learn from cultures that have been doing that all along.

Today’s conversation is with Dawit Kim, who resides in Honolulu.

During my visit to Hawaii, we met Dawit during our dining experience at his parent’s diner, The Brunch Spot.

Dawit stepped away from the front to visit with Kefi Life about the language of love and caring for one another via respect.

In the Korean culture, he describes what love looks in his country. 

When you listen to the Kefi Life podcast episode 215, you will hear the meaning of bowing, friendliness and sharing a smile with one’s neighbor.

Today is a reminder that some cultures don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to practice love - they live it daily; through kindness, through humility, through small intentional gestures that say ‘you matter!’

This Valentine’s Day let us take love off the shelf and put it into motion.  May we practice it at the table, in our communities, and in our everyday interactions. And may we carry that spirit forward – not just for today, but always.

Sending you joy and love this Valentine’s week.

Ola Kala,

Kiki