A glossary of joys

By Ingrid Fetell Lee

Aoj mbuki mvuki

Njoki shared with me this great piece in The New Yorker about the Positive Lexicography Project, an attempt by psychologist Tim Lomas to catalog all the words in different languages that express subtle and sometimes culturally specific forms of joy. I couldn’t help but love this word mbuki-mvuki, which means “to shed clothes to dance uninhibited” in Bantu.

Mbuki-mvuki may not be in your plans this weekend, but I hope some other joyful things are, whether that’s utepils (Norwegian for “a beer that is enjoyed outside…particularly on the first hot day of the year”), volta (Greek for “a leisurely stroll”) or just boketto (Japanese for “gazing off into the distance”). Happy Friday and enjoy!

Read: “The Glossary of Happiness”
Full list here

May 13th, 2016

Share:

Lost your spark?

The Joy Jumpstart is a 7-day, self-guided program to help you break out of a rut and reconnect with what makes you feel truly alive.

    Discussion (2 Comments)

  1. Barbara B Schwartz on December 14, 2018

    Following one website to another a few months ago, I found JOYFUL. When I first discovered the healing benefits of being grateful, I started a gratitude circle. We’ve met met monthly for couple of years and after reading this book we are changing our emphasis to Joy. Between now and the end of the year I am figuring out how I want to manifest 2019 and I am going through your worksheets and and the book again to see what more ideas I can add to my life to manifest joy. A recent trip to Santa Fe almost had me moving there. I love all the colors and joyful art there. Thank you so much for your worksheets.

    Reply
    1. Ingrid Fetell Lee on December 17, 2018

      Barbara, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad that you are finding the worksheets helpful! I can’t wait to hear more about what you manifest in 2019. Wishing you and your circle joy!

      Reply

Leave a Comment

What's killing your joy? Take this 3-minute quiz to find out.
Free Resource

Find more joy every day

Our free workbook has 5 simple strategies that will make life better right now.

You'll also receive periodic updates on new things from The Aesthetics of Joy. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.