Forest Bathing and 34 Other Uplifting Words

Language is our most powerful tool. Language binds us together. It is the thread that weaves our collective experience. Words have the ability to uplift the spirit, steady the nerves, and shift our perspective. Here are thirty-five words to comfort and inspire you.

Apricity (n.) Latin; the warmth of the sun in the winter

Balter (v.); to dance artlessly, without particular grace or skill, but usually with enjoyment

Brontide (n.); the low rumble of distant thunder

Chrysalism (n.); the amniotic tranquility of being indoors during a thunderstorm

Cynefin (n.) Welsh; a place where a person or animal feels it ought to live and belong; it is where nature around you feels right and welcoming

Elysian (adj.); beautiful or creative; divinely inspired

Eunoia (n.) Greek; a pure and well-balanced mind; a good spirit

Fika (n.) Swedish; a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life

Forelsket (n.); Danish; the euphoric experience when you first fall in love

Fyrgebroec (n.); Welsh; the distinct, sharp crackling or breaking sound made by a fire

Heimat (n.); German; a place that you can call home; a sense of belongingness, acceptance, safety

Heliophilia (n.); desire to stay in the sun; love of sunlight

Kalon (n.); Greek; beauty that is more than skin-deep

Meraki (n.); Greek; putting a part of yourself into what you’re doing

Metanoia (n.); Greek; the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self, or way of life

Natsukashii (adj.); Japanese a happy recollection of an event or memory

Nefelibata (n.); Portuguese; meaning “cloud walker”; one who lives in the clouds of their own imagination

Nubivagant (adj.); Latin; moving among clouds

Nyctophillia (n.); love of darkness or night; finding relaxation or comfort in darkness

Orenda (n.); Iroquois; a mystical force present in all people that empowers them to affect the world or to effect change in their own lives

Petrichor (n.); the wonderful smell in the air after it’s been raining

Quartervois (n.); a crossroads; a critical decision or turning point in one’s life

Querencia (n.) Spanish; a place from which one’s strength is drawn; where one feels at home; the place when you are your most authentic self

Quiddity (n.); the essence of something

Redamency (n.); the act of loving the one who loves you; a love returned in full

Resfeber (n.); the tangled feelings of fear and excitement before a journey begins

Rudeneja (v.); Lithuanian; the way nature and/or the weather begins to feel like autumn

Scintilla (n.); a tiny, brilliant flash or spark; a small thing; a barely-visible trace

Shinrin-yoku (n.) Japanese; meaning “forest bathing,” a visit to the forest to take in its atmosphere

Sockdolager (n.); something outstanding or exceptional

Sonder (n.); the realization that each passerby has a life as vivid and complex as your own

Sophrosyne (n.); a health state of mind, characterized by self-control, moderation, and a deep awareness of one’s true self, and resulting in true happiness

Thalassophile (n.); a lover of the sea; someone who loves the sea, ocean

Twitterpated (adj.); love-struck

Vagary (n.) latin; an unpredictable instance, a wandering journey; a whimsical, wild or unusual idea, desire or action