Lessons from a Wanderer!

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”

~W.B. Yeats

Today, as wanderers, as immigrants, let's go on a world tour, to immerse into insights from across the globe:

1. Jijivisha – The Joy for Life

Rooted in ancient Indian scriptures, jijivisha embodies an innate will to live, to embrace every moment with exuberance.

India, with its myriad hues, has an uncanny ability to infuse life with the essence of jijivisha, teaching the world the art of embracing existence with open arms.

2. Niksen: The Art of Doing Nothing

Here is how it goes: find some quiet time and intend to not do much. No meditation. No action. That’s it.

Amidst the picturesque windmills and quiet canals of the Netherlands, you find niksen, a comfortable way of doing nothing—allowing oneself to be idle, to daydream, and to simply breathe.

Niksen is a humorous and purposeful idleness, where the mind finds space to breathe, unfettered by the demands of productivity.

3. Friluftsliv: The Love of the Outdoors

Amidst Norway’s majestic fjords one can learn all about friluftsliv, the love for the outdoors—a practice that celebrates the restorative power of nature, even under the whims of weather.

In the heart of nature, amidst whispering leaves and birdsong, the Norwegians tap regularly into the healing power of the wilderness.

Friluftsliv is an invitation to step outside, to breathe in the crisp air, and to revel in the symphony of nature. It’s a reminder that, even in the face of life’s storms, there exists a sanctuary in the embrace of the natural world.

If the Scandinavians can love the outdoors in spite of their weather conditions, I guess so can we!

4. Hygge: Cozy Comfort, Deep Connection

Hygge refers to a sense of coziness and warmth that comes from spending time with loved ones in a comfy environment.

Imagine a Scandinavian Christmas evening, candles flickering, the warmth of the fire stove, and the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones, a warm teacup in hand.

In the heart of Denmark, hygge reminds us that in the midst of life’s complexities, finding solace in the simplicity of a cozy ambiance and cherished companionship can nourish our souls and ease the burdens of the day. It’s about savoring the moment, finding joy in the ordinary, and embracing the warmth of human connection.

5. Wu Wei: Effortless Flow, Harmonious Living

From the heart of Taoism, wu wei teaches us the art of effortless action. It’s about flowing with the currents of life, embracing the path of least resistance. In the serene gardens of Suzhou, we learn that by aligning ourselves with the natural flow of the universe, stress dissipates, and harmony prevails.

Wu Wei invites us to trust in the wisdom of the unfolding moment and find peace in the midst of chaos.

6. Meraki: Infusing Passion into Life’s Tapestry

From the sun-drenched landscapes of Greece emerges meraki, the practice of infusing passion into every pursuit.

Whether it’s preparing a meal, crafting a piece of art, or engaging in a conversation, meraki invites us to pour our soul into every endeavor.

It’s a reminder that life is not merely a series of tasks but a canvas waiting for our creative touch. Meraki teaches us that in passionate engagement, stress transforms into purpose, and every moment becomes a masterpiece.

7. G?kotta: Awakening with the Dawn’s Tranquility

One more Scandinavian concept to love: g?kotta in Swedish. G?kotta invites us to wake up with the first light of dawn.

It’s about embracing the stillness of the early hours, listening to the world awakening around us, especially the birds.

G?kotta teaches us the art of starting the day in tranquility, setting a harmonious tone for what lies ahead. In the hush of the morning, we find clarity in the quietude of the dawn, reminding us of the beauty in beginnings.

8. Dolce Far Niente: Embracing Sweet Idleness

This list of cultural practices would be woefully incomplete without the inclusion of il dolce far niente. Amidst the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and the historic streets of Rome, Italy gifts us with this poetic concept, one that invites us to revel in the exquisite pleasure of leisure, reminding us that life’s most profound moments often arise in the unhurried corners of existence.

The luxury of time unfilled, and the sheer bliss found in the simplicity of existence, is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful moments occur when we allow ourselves to simply be, unburdened by the demands of the world.

9. Sobremesa: Cultivating Connection, One Conversation at a Time

In the bustle of Spain, la sobremesa teaches us the art of lingering at the table after finishing a meal and cherishing the warmth of meaningful conversations.

Sobremesa reminds us that in the unhurried moments after a meal, bonds are deepened, laughter is shared, and stress fades away. It’s a practice that celebrates the richness of human connections, reminding us that in genuine conversations, we find solace and understanding.

10. Acurrucarse: The Coziness of Cuddling

I cannot think of a time when I have not cherished this word. In my country, Puerto Rico, as well as in many places in Latin America, acurrucarse refers to cuddling with loved ones.

It often describes cuddling with one’s children or pets, or watching a film on a sleepover with cozy blankets. It is a term laden with subtle nuances, encapsulating the essence of togetherness.

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Each of these practices has a different flavor to it. Each is influenced by the geography, the history, and the landscape of each place, but each speaks to me of self-care, of a life filled with connection and purpose.

If it is true that we humans share a lot of common troubles and concerns, for us it is worth noticing that we also share an organic intelligence that leads us in all parts of the world to cherish the quietness of rest, of connection and of tapping mindfully into the present moment.

Content courtesy: Cristina Bonnet Acosta

To learn more about her work, visit www.cristinabonnet.com.