Introduction
Chapter One: Focus & Awareness
With an ever more enticing range of technological tools at our disposal, modern life comes with a side dish of constant distraction. To counter this, let us look at how cultures around the world opt to stay focussed.
Shu, Traditional Chinese - the virtue of having sympathetic concern for others
Sati, Pali - mindfulness or awareness
Ayliak, Bulgarian - the art of living slowly and without worry
Flow, English - a state of energised focus and awareness in an activity; being immersed or 'in the zone'
Ho'oponopono, Hawaiian - problem-solving or 'setting to right' process; forgiveness
Aprama da, Sanskrit - articulates a sense of 'moral watchfulness' or awareness of ethical implications of one's actions
Feature spread - It's in Our Nature... Take a Digital Detox and Seek Calm in the Outside World
Including: Russian listopad noun for 'falling leaves'. Japanese Shirin-yoku 'forest-bathing'. Icelandic hoppipolla, a verb for jumping in puddles. Urdu phrase dil baagh baagh ho-gaya, or 'my heart became a garden' to mean intense joy (illustrating how we link wellbeing and natural world).
Chapter Two: Body & Wellness
Our minds and bodies are not distinct entities. As such, globally we have developed many traditions that promote gentle movement, focused breathing and balanced lifestyles as helpful paths to a calmer mind.
Capoeira, Portuguese (Brazil) - a system of physical discipline and movement, treated as a martial art and dance form
Pranayama, Sanskrit - breath control, include as 'try this': Ujjayi (particular practice of focussed breathing)
Flaneur, French - the art of leisurely strolling
Desabafar, Portuguese - to unburden oneself or 'let off steam', either through talking or an activity like running or walking
Hozho, Navajo - a philosophy of wellness through balanced living
Hasya yoga, India and USA - laughter yoga; the practice of voluntary prolonged laughing
Feature spread - Take a Dip: Ways We Bathe
Chapter Three: Habits & Rituals
To take the stress out of de-stressing, it can be useful to establish a regular, non-negotiable habit. Around the world we do just this with everyday rituals that keep us calm and connected to others.
Fika, Swedish - social coffee break, usually with pastries or cookies
Mitzvah, Hebrew - kind or moral acts performed out of duty
Nuchi-gusui, Japanese (from Okinawa) - the ritual of treating one's food as 'life medicine', including hara hachi bu, the habit of eating until you are only 'eight parts full' for health
Utepils, Norwegian - first beer outside with friends
Dominguear, Spanish - to partake in activities associated with Sunday; literally 'to Sunday' or, domingueando, 'Sunday-ing'
Sadhana, Indian - dedicated practice or learning
Feature spread - Music to Our Ears... The Harmony of Song
Including: Djembe drumming from West Africa ('dje' is the verb for 'gather' and 'be' translates as 'peace'). From Sanskrit: Kirtan chanting and Bhakti poetry. Romanian lyrical poetry, Doina. Arabic Taarab music, lit. 'having joy with music'.
Chapter Four: Rest & Relaxation
Sleeping is perhaps the number one form of self-care there is, and is a well-practiced skill we all share, but what are some of the ways we like to rest and relax across the globe? From environments conducive to relaxing, to restful activities, here is a taste of the different ways we recuperate.
Fredagsmys, Swedish - Friday cosiness
Villasukkapaiva, Finnish - a 'woollen socks' day
Abbiocco, Italian - drowsiness following a large meal
Fjaka, Croatian - relaxation of body and mind or the 'sweetness of doing nothing'
Couthie, Scottish - (of a person) agreeable, friendly, sympathetic; (of a thing or place) comfortable, snug
Chouzourev o, Greek - the particular coziness of a lie in
Morgenfrisk, Danish - feeling fresh and rested when you wake up in the morning
Feature spread - The Serenity of Slumber
Includes: Spanish siesta and Italian meriggiare 'to rest at noon (in the shade)'. Japanese inemuri: the practice of napping in public. Sanskrit yoganidra. Dutch questing: 'to allow a lover access to one's bed for chitchat'.
Chapter Five: Patience & Poise
We often seek serenity when faced with the hardest of times. In such times, we humans display an astonishing capacity for resilience, in part thanks to cherished virtues and practices that bolster our resolve.
Gaman, Japanese (from Zen Buddhism) - enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity
Belum, Indonesia - means 'not yet' but with an optimistic tint that an event might yet happen
Upeksa, Sanskrit - deep state of calm; equanimity
Konfliktfahigkeit, German - literally 'conflictability' meaning the capacity to overcome disagreements, find a fair solution and generally promote tolerance
Voorpret, Dutch - joy or pleasure ahead and in anticipation of the actual fun event. Includes: German noun vorfreude meaning similar, joyful anticipation derived from imagining future pleasures.
Feature spread - There For You... Finding Peace in Other People
Naz: Urdu word for the assurance in knowing that another's love is unconditional and unshakable. Jeong/jung: Korean noun for deep affection, affinity, connectedness (may or may not be romantic). Sobornost: Russian for spiritual community of jointly living people. Anam cara: Gaelic for soul mate that offers you honesty and belonging. Alamnaka: from Ulwa (Nicaragua), meaning to meet a kindred soul or find a relationship unlike any other you have had. Dozywocie: Polish for the parental contract with children guaranteeing lifelong support. Koi no yokan: Japanese for the feeling of knowing that you will soon fall in love with the person you have just met.
Conclusion: A Map of Calm Around the World
Psychologist and expert compiler of a 'positive lexicography' of our world, Tim Lomas answers questions including: What is The Happy Words Project, and what does it illustrate about calm and serenity; Why do it is important to have a diverse, global view of wellbeing, and in particular serenity; How understanding these words can have a positive impact on all our lives.
