Komorebi and Crafting Words For the Soul
We've all heard the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, and we can often recall a single word that sufficiently encapsulates a profound experience. But what do we do when we can’t find that one perfect word?
I’m fascinated by the idea that this lexical or semantic gap can be bridged by applying a word native to another language and culture. One of my favourite examples of this is the Japanese word “komorebi” (koh-mo-reh-bee), which describes the ethereal effect of sunlight being filtered through tree leaves. It's a visual spectacle, and my appreciation deepens, knowing I can associate it with an equally beautiful word. Another great example of a culture-bound term, one that doesn’t have an equivalent counterpart in the English language, is the Greek word “meraki” (meh-rah-kee), which describes the act of putting a piece of yourself, your soul or passion into something you love. Returning to topics I love…
When I’m trail-running, one of the experiences I’ve struggled to succinctly capture is the flashes of sunlight that burst through the trees into your vision as you move down the trail. I feel “komorebi” is more suited to illustrate the interplay of light through the forest to the passive observer, whereas the experience I’m describing is impacted as well by your own movement and speed. The sporadic bursts of light flares while I navigate through the trees can be mesmerizing. In those moments, It’s like my focus shifts to nature’s own heartbeat instead of my own. Without a sufficient word on hand to describe this experience, I’m taking the liberty to create my own – a neologism.
My word is “luminarun”. “Lumen”, derived from Latin, can be defined as light or an opening through which light passes. The plural form, “lumina”, was fitting because I felt it best described how the flashes of light appear to come from multiple openings.
“Luminarun”, literally “light run.”
Even though we were born into a world full of rich language, all these words had their genesis and inspiration. Have you ever struggled to find the right word for certain experiences or feelings? Consider this your cue to create something that truly resonates with your soul.
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