Love this practice Sarah. I also wonder if we could pick words from outside of English as well. I often find that my mother tongue lacks the nuance of grace of other languages...
Thank you so much Sam, yes you've put your finger on something that only dawned on me as I was researching the meaning of the gorgeous phrase Dr Miki giften me... that other languages sometimes have more nuance, or in the case of this tradition a phrase that is combined from two words which in itself gives more depth and poetry to a feeling you want to capture 🥰
I loved reading your reflection, and I’m really glad that 勇気凛然 resonated with you in such a grounded, embodied way. I love how you described listening to the feeling beneath the word rather than forcing yourself into language — that, to me, is exactly the spirit of kakizome. Wishing you a 2026 filled with calm courage, clarity, and a presence that doesn’t need to shout to be felt.
Beautiful post. This practice is new to me, and sounds like it could offer new insights. I'll be thinking about my word!
Love this practice Sarah. I also wonder if we could pick words from outside of English as well. I often find that my mother tongue lacks the nuance of grace of other languages...
Thank you so much Sam, yes you've put your finger on something that only dawned on me as I was researching the meaning of the gorgeous phrase Dr Miki giften me... that other languages sometimes have more nuance, or in the case of this tradition a phrase that is combined from two words which in itself gives more depth and poetry to a feeling you want to capture 🥰
Thank you so much for sharing this so openly!
I loved reading your reflection, and I’m really glad that 勇気凛然 resonated with you in such a grounded, embodied way. I love how you described listening to the feeling beneath the word rather than forcing yourself into language — that, to me, is exactly the spirit of kakizome. Wishing you a 2026 filled with calm courage, clarity, and a presence that doesn’t need to shout to be felt.