Another oooooo from me. I love hearing about mudita and plan to nurture it. But on reading this piece for a second time, I felt profoundly sad that our culture has no word for mudita, and finds the concept foreign too. As if enjoying the well-being of others might diminish our own.
I think it takes a while to get the hang of it. It calls for digging our way out of a culture of scarcity into the sunlight of knowing that we will have enough. More actually, if we can really appreciate the goodness of others. Thanks for writing.
I wasn’t sure it went through. When I hit submit, I didn’t get an acknowledgment that I succeeded. But then I almost always assume I’ve f-ed up when doing anything online. 🤪
Yes. I love to think about the ways in which language influences and is influenced b language.
Love this. I have been researching language/culture, too. It started with a free write on “Do something” and Do nothing” which led me to looking up opposites, all of which are negative. Apparently, we English-speakers must be constantly moving forward or we’re many forms of lazy. What if we were to sit still and practice mudita? I just tried to subscribe to your blog. Did it go through?
Yes, indeed. You have successfully subscribed and I thank you so much. If you don't mind my asking, why was the paid subscription process dicey?
I could spend all my life thinking about words...with an occasional walk on a sunny day. Of course, it doesn't have to be overcast to promote taking a deep dive into linguistics, but sometimes it helps.
This may possibly be my favorite line in this gorgeous piece:
schadenfreude, the German term that so succinctly describes the frisson of pleasure I’ve been known to feel when someone else gets an unflattering haircut.
Your curiosity, honesty, linguistic high-jinks (forgive me) frequently enchant me, Susie.
Mudita autocorrects to “nudity,” which seems apt. Seriously though, this is about something in very short supply nowadays. And what does it mean when the mudita is not reciprocated, when the person we’re engaging with does not share that value?
My guess is that's not how it works. It's not quid pro quo. I would say mudita operates on a broader basis where your active appreciation for someone else's goodness and gifts goes out to nourish goodness in the world. What do you think?
Another oooooo from me. I love hearing about mudita and plan to nurture it. But on reading this piece for a second time, I felt profoundly sad that our culture has no word for mudita, and finds the concept foreign too. As if enjoying the well-being of others might diminish our own.
I think it takes a while to get the hang of it. It calls for digging our way out of a culture of scarcity into the sunlight of knowing that we will have enough. More actually, if we can really appreciate the goodness of others. Thanks for writing.
I wasn’t sure it went through. When I hit submit, I didn’t get an acknowledgment that I succeeded. But then I almost always assume I’ve f-ed up when doing anything online. 🤪
Yes. I love to think about the ways in which language influences and is influenced b language.
Love this. I have been researching language/culture, too. It started with a free write on “Do something” and Do nothing” which led me to looking up opposites, all of which are negative. Apparently, we English-speakers must be constantly moving forward or we’re many forms of lazy. What if we were to sit still and practice mudita? I just tried to subscribe to your blog. Did it go through?
Yes, indeed. You have successfully subscribed and I thank you so much. If you don't mind my asking, why was the paid subscription process dicey?
I could spend all my life thinking about words...with an occasional walk on a sunny day. Of course, it doesn't have to be overcast to promote taking a deep dive into linguistics, but sometimes it helps.
This may possibly be my favorite line in this gorgeous piece:
schadenfreude, the German term that so succinctly describes the frisson of pleasure I’ve been known to feel when someone else gets an unflattering haircut.
Your curiosity, honesty, linguistic high-jinks (forgive me) frequently enchant me, Susie.
High jinks, indeed. This piece was a stretch but fortunately I’m addicted to learning.
Mudita autocorrects to “nudity,” which seems apt. Seriously though, this is about something in very short supply nowadays. And what does it mean when the mudita is not reciprocated, when the person we’re engaging with does not share that value?
My guess is that's not how it works. It's not quid pro quo. I would say mudita operates on a broader basis where your active appreciation for someone else's goodness and gifts goes out to nourish goodness in the world. What do you think?
Lovely and inspiring post, Susie.
Merci!
Thank you, Sharon. Always enjoy hearing from you.
Provocative. Typical Susie K.
Sweet and beautiful post Susie. Does ‘kvelling’ come close to mudita?
Simultaneous translation again! I'm going to keep both kvelling and naches in mind to help me better understand mudita.