Hansei is the Japanese practice of honestly reflecting on experience, recognising one’s own part in what happened and deciding what must improve.

It asks individuals and groups to examine the gap between what they intended and what actually occurred. Even apparent success deserves reflection because favourable results can conceal weak judgement, avoidable harm or lessons that should not be left to chance.

Hansei is not blame, shame or ritual regret. Reflection becomes useful only when it produces learning, correction and a change in future practice.

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