As I said here, it is so sad that English words can be so lacking…
However, I aim to remedy that this year with my word choice! (or did this word choose me??)
I discovered Yutori last July when I was spending some time thinking about companion words for time. Of all the words I considered… most were not as symbiotic as Time & Space, which I found were almost always coupled together.
Time is a definite thing but space… what does that mean really? Outer space? Inner space? Personal space? Make space for…? Giving someone space? You see where I am going here… space is this unknown element. And I wondered how you could couple something so very definite with something seemingly boundless…
But in a rare moment of serendipity… the next “doom scroll” session I had on Instagram halted me in my tracks. A post giving homage to Yutori… with the most beautiful description of this Japanese word. And imagine my surprise when this post echoed the first a day later. (I know I should not be surprised… the algorithms are always at work and, for once, it was a good thing to have “them” paying attention!)
That led me to a quick Google search of Yutori… and I found this beautiful video with the most amazing explanation of what Yutori is in Japanese… a concept of space being both physical and emotional. A way to use space to stretch time. Making space (and holding) space as sacred. Yes, please!
A bit more Googling and I was reminded of this episode of On Being with Naomi Shihab Nye. She talked about Yutori as well! (Really, this conversation is just so moving… it is absolutely worth a listen or a relisten!)
I am very excited to spend a year with Yutori as opposed to saying I am going to just contemplate space, which seems a bit lacking. My hope is that in contemplating Yutori… I will have a new (and better) understanding for all the spaces in my life.
And… in the manner of Yü Chou… I am picking up my seed of time and taking a deep breath and continuing!
But, my hope is that YOU will decide to join us this year… contemplating a word over twelve months can be so much fun. It can be enlightening. It can be inspiring! I think that the hardest part is picking a word… but really, any word will do! Want more fun in your days? Do a quick search of the synonyms of fun… pick one and jump in! Want to learn about something? Pick a related word and begin your journey!
Perhaps you fear that 2025 will be The Year Without Joy… well you can make your own joy by making Joy your little word!
Perhaps you want something specific … take this test from the WaPo to find a word! (I have gifted you the article, read on with confidence!) (and if you are interested in the “other nudge word” article mentioned, here you go!)
It does not have to be hard! Really… you cannot pick a bad word! (Trust me, I have tried… I always have gotten something out of my word!)
If you want something more structured… let me know, I have some suggestions for you to get yourself started!
If you want word suggestions, let me know and I will gladly help you!
Carolyn still has her “how to get started” information on her website. She really helped me hone in on how to make my word work for me!
But, I think what is best about contemplating a word for twelve months… is the companionship of other people doing the same. I have learned so much from what they share each month.
Finally, there will be no change to the day we all share our progress… I will follow Carolyn’s schedule and will have the link up on the last Monday of the month.
I really hope you decide to join us!
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to email me! I would love to help get you stared!
See you all back here on Monday! (is it just me or is everyone confused on what day it is? I have been off all week but I hope to get back on track and be here in a timely manner on Monday! Ha!)
Well, this is interesting! I’m very much looking forward to reading about and seeing where yutori takes you.
It sounds like yutori will suit you just fine. I’ll be following along to see how your word blends into your life.
Hope you first week of the year is going well.
Well my goodness me- this is quite some word. Followed all the links, it’s going to be interesting reading all your posts. Just published my One Word for 2025.
The Japanese language contains so many words that “say” so much more than any of our English words. I like your choice and will enjoy watching your Yutori journey.
Kat, I’ve written down this word and its various definitions. I LOVE it! And I love learning from Japanese wisdom so that makes it extra special. The idea of spaciousness has always been appealing to me – both in my cluttered mind and my messy surroundings. I cannot wait to learn from you this year and have my TBR ready for any books that you might find interesting. Cannot wait to explore Yutori with you!
What a fabulous word! I love the idea of a word that can mean many things, and I have no doubt you’ll be exploring all of them this year.
I think you already know how excited I am for you with Yutori…! I’m also inspired by how much you’ve dug into your word already! (I’m eager for that time to come for me, mid-month.)
Thank you for taking us along with you this year.
What an interesting word. It will take you on a wonderful adventure. And Naomi Shihab Nye – one of the wisest voices of our time. I had forgotten about that interview but later this month I plan to go back and listen to it again. Thank you.
I hope Yutori brings you on a great adventure this year! I don’t often post about my word on the link up schedule but I’m glad to see you picking up the baton on this.
what a beautiful word!!
Well, Kat. This is a fun word! I can’t wait to see where it takes you! XO