Let's get craic-ing!

I have been fortunate enough to visit the homeland of the Leprechauns recently.

The weather there was typically Irish – unpredictable – and the winter was frigid and cold. But the sights were truly magnificent. That is not, however, what intrigued me the most.

It’s not St. Patrick’s Day, if that’s what you think. It is the craic that was most noteworthy as it is quintessentially Irish.

Pronounced as crack, the term does not correspond to any specific translation or definition. But it can be roughly captured as 'fun' or 'general enjoyment'.

There can be great craic going on, especially in pubs, or you could be a craic yourself by being good company.

Besides social settings, the merry culture of the craic can be seen in other aspects of Irish society.

To go along with the craic, one needs a more easy-going attitude. As such, the intense “over time” working lifestyle common in Asia is unheard of in that part of the world.

They work efficiently during working hours and come 5p.m., they bolt out the door to unwind.

And the politicians too are a lot more casual in carrying themselves in public, lest be deemed snobs and not embracing the craic, which could cost them the election.

This culture is something that would be beneficial if it was acculturated into our own.

We are a serious, protocol-conscious, and high-strung group of people.

Couple that with our cholesterol-laden diet of daily nasi lemak and roti canai, it’s a recipe for the ultimate heart attack. Or at the very least- an anxiety attack.

So why not try to loosen up a bit and take more time to enjoy life? We start small, with ourselves and those in our charge – family and employees. Then maybe we can get this thing viral and create something like the Facebook mania.

It is going to be a long way before the entire society can get on with this culture, so we better get craic-ing now!

(By Aizuddin Arshad)