I used to have a word of the day calendar when I was a kid; I loved reading the words each morning. I bought one for my kids, they broke it and had no interest.
I’m still a word geek. When I took my son to Boston this weekend, I had to introduce him to a great local term. And boy was he over the moon when he heard someone using it in a sentence at Copley Square that afternoon (as in, “I mean, it’s not like I’m a _____, but…”
Isn’t that the way? You learn something new and then BAM! within 24 hours you see it in the world. Beshert. So satisfying.
So it is in that spirit I bring you TWO new words I recently learned, and love.
The first was introduced to me by a client. The word is: soubhiyé. It’s a Lebanese Arabic term that means, more or less – that quiet time in the morning before everyone wakes up where you can make yourself a coffee and have a little peace.
This word makes me feel seen. And I love that it’s enough of a thing in Lebanon that there’s a word for it. Upon further research, I learned that it’s a time that can be shared with beloved others – cousins, etc., typically not people in your house but in similar life situations.
The second word is querencia. It’s used to describe the place a bull goes to in a bullfight, to regroup and regulate. It’s a calm spot for the bull – enter it at your own risk. As I looked further into this word, and related it to people, it took on more power. It describes a place one can retreat to where they draw strength. It can be a physical, mental or spiritual space, but it’s where a person can become more themselves, and strengthen themselves.
Fortunately, my soubhiyé is my querencia. It’s a place I go each morning, like an act of prayer. It’s physical and spiritual, and it’s fast becoming essential.
I share these concepts with you with some questions: Where do you go to restore / recalibrate? Do you have a daily routine that fills your spirit? A regular practice that helps you find you? A nourishing, loving regular?
If so, what a wonderful place to cherish. And if not, That’s OK too! Set the intention, you’ll find it.
Here are some more recent pieces I’ve shared:
- I Know a Guy Who Can Get You Into the “Book of Life”
- Understanding and Implementing Trauma Informed Coaching
- Finding Clarity through Spiritual Coaching
Love to you, as always,
Allison
