10 global words that redefine power in beautiful ways.

Vocabulary is another form of seeing. How we verbally describe life reflects our perceptions and perspectives on reality. Our world has hundreds of words that define how different cultures view innerpower, accountability, passion and even the moment of not giving a f*@k. From words of unknown origin that use Greek root words to Navajo constructs to Bantu ideas of standing up to jerks, there are brilliant words that encapsulate entire streams of thought. Here are 10 of the world’s most beautiful words to redefine power.

strikhedonia

Origin: Unknown (n.) the pleasure of being able to say “to hell with it”.

orenda

Origin: Huron (n.) the invocation of the power of human will to change the world around us. A voiced summoning of inner strength to change fate.

mudita

Origin: Sanskrit (n.) taking delight in the happiness of others, opposite of schadenfreude

laotong

Origin: Chinese (n.) a friendship bonding two girls together for eternity as kindred sisters

meraki

Origin: Greek (v.) to do something with soul, creativity or love. To leave a part of yourself in your work.

ilunga

Origin: Tshiluba [Bantu] (n.) a person who is ready to forgive any offense the first time, to tolerate it the second time but never a third time.

cor

Origin: Latin (n.) heart. In one of its earliest forms the word courage meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.”

yatta

Origin: Japanese (v.) the state of joy after you accomplish a task

ugegbe

Origin: Igbo (n.) radiating beauty. Also used for “mirror”.

nila

Origin: Navajo (v.) “it’s up to you” or “you decide what will happen/be done”. Generally, this is a way of making someone responsible for their own actions.

This piece was originally published on Vanichi.com