It is so interesting how we treat ourselves and how we feel we need to portray ourselves to others, this is particularly important in China and the Far East in the form and name of ‘Face’, how we look to the eyes of others. “FACE” – A CULTURAL THING

For those of you not well-versed in Chinese culture, there is something you should know about the concept of face or having face. Stemming from this, there are also the related concepts of losing face, of saving face, and even of lending face.

Face is a concept not hard to understand because, even as Westerners, everyone has face. When equated to Western values, face is very similar to the notion of reputation. Face is a dynamic which applies to both personal and business relationships in China.

Corollary to face is the inseparable concept of guanxi or “relations”. Face and guanxi work hand-in-hand. One without the other renders useless the dynamic these two concepts collectively work together.

So, looking good to others from the outside is important but I think equally or even more importantly is looking good on the inside too, feeling good and proud of yourself, loving yourself, living your life compassionately and caring for others from the inside out…from the heart.

If you can start feeling good on the inside, smiling at yourself and what you stand for from the inside then you will portray a bright side for all to see 🙂

Namaste with Love

Always

Mark