I'm a writer, coach and amateur poetic philosopher. I send emails every Thursday about life, death and existing as fully as possible in between. Sign up to receive my emails.
The best word you didn't know
I want to share something a bit delightful with you.
I was recently introduce to the Korean word, sohwakhaeng (loosely pronounced swah-king). It means "small but certain happiness". For some people, it's more than a word, it's a way of life- trading the constant pursuit of large milestones for noticing the small ever-present joyful moments. It's not a new concept, but since I heard this word, I've been developing my sense of sohwakhaeng, and I gotta say it's been wonderful. I've been looking for at least one bit of small but certain happiness each day and letting that moment be enough.
For example, my morning cup of tea... I love preparing it almost more than drinking it. Opening the bag and smelling the wonderful aroma, the look of the leaves as I scoop them into the diffuser. The way the water darkens as it steeps. Definite sohwakhaeng.
With just a bit of thought, I realized there a many opportunities for small but certain happiness in my days. Watching birds does it for me too. Any pretty much any time I see a cat. Hugging my husband in the morning. Talking to my plants (yes, I do that). My face on my very comfortable, favorite pillow. These are small things, but when fully noticed, they are delightful.
And a brief delight can make all the difference. This isn't about transforming my life, or forcing myself to feel happy. It's just a small, simple noticing.
So, perhaps you'd like to consider your own sohwakhaeng, your moments of small but certain happiness. It's a simple, lighthearted exercise. What delights you? If you'd like, I'd love to hear what those moments and things are for you. Just hit reply.
And PS - Sorry I missed sending last week's email (if you noticed). I was with family, traveling and then I was sick. Feeling better, and happy to be back!
Hi! I'm Brianne
I'm a writer, coach and amateur poetic philosopher. I send emails every Thursday about life, death and existing as fully as possible in between. Sign up to receive my emails.
A summary of a recent conversation with a friend... It seems to me, if you don’t see beauty, and hope, and happiness – you’re not paying attention to the full scope of life. But also… If you don’t see pain, and struggles, and sadness – you’re also not paying attention. Awareness doesn’t filter what comes into view, merely allows a wider range.
A few years ago, I came across a word that subtly, but noticeably, changed my perspective on life. That was the Korean word sohwakhaeng, and you can read about it here. Just recently I came across another word that has me contemplating life in similar ways. It’s the Japanese word yūgen. Yu – Subtle, graceful, elegantGen – Dark, profound, mysterious The English translation depends on the context, but these are the ones I’ve seen: * An awareness of the world that cues an emotional response too...
There is a version of optimism that is yours. There is a bright side that shines specifically for you. It may not make sense to others. It may not ease their hearts. That’s ok. For you, it softens and widens your shoulders, lightens your chest, and raises your head. It allows you to look Life in the eyes as its equal. If optimism seems to escape you, perhaps it is because you are looking for someone else’s version. Be quiet. Be still. And allow Life to speak to you in your own language.