A MEANINGFUL LIFE: 10 Soul-deep Lessons and Timeless Practices from Across the?Planet

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

There are magical practices from across the planet that resonate deeply across cultures. These soul-deep lessons from the various landscapes offers unique lessons about the organic intelligence that resides in us humans and leads us to find ways of nourishing our bodies, minds, and souls.

Here are the 10 unique?lessons:

1. Jijivisha?—?The Joy for?Life

In the heart of India, amidst the chaos and colors of its vibrant cities, I encountered the concept of jijivisha?—?the sheer joy for life. Rooted in ancient Indian scriptures, jijivisha embodies an innate will to live, to embrace every moment with exuberance.

2. Niksen: The Art of Doing?Nothing

Amidst the picturesque windmills and quiet canals of the Netherlands, I discovered 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.

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.

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 that I 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.

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.

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.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

(Excerpted from an article, 10 Unique Lessons from Across the Globe for a Meaningful Life by Crisitina Bonnet Acosta on tinybuddha.com)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-