Hello friends,

I’ve written before about the power of words https://vitalitywithesyltt.com/2021/04/21/the-power-of-words/. I know that some of you are bibliophiles (or book worms) like me. Which means you are also likely to be a logophile – someone who loves words.

Recently I discovered this word “Uitwaaien”.

Please don’t ask me to pronounce it! (Although I did have fun watching a couple of you tube clips on how to say it). It is a Dutch word referring to the act of going out in the wind, getting fresh air in your lungs and your thoughts in order. Walking in blustery conditions (of which we’ve had ample), is believed to be good for body and mind, keeping the stresses and strain of daily life in check, lifting your mood.

In English we use the phrase “blow away the cobwebs” to describe activities that invigorate us, energise us, give us fresh perspective. There’s nothing quite like a walk in the fresh air to achieve this. It doesn’t have quite the exotic sound of “uitwaaien” though.

When I shared the word ‘uitwaaien’ with my sisters I received two very different responses.The first said “I love your word. I came across a new word also relating to weather. A pluviophile – someone who loves the rain, who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.” Whereas the second said “this is quite the quirky dialogue. Personally strong wind is something I never enjoy, and it actually upsets my equilibrium, so I doubt it would ever settle my mind”.

These comments dredged up a happy memory from 2019 when my sisters and I were enjoying a brief and rare weekend together in the New Zealand beach side hamlet of Raglan. We walked, skipped, and sang in the wind and the rain along a wild stretch of beach, rugged up in hats, scarves and rain jackets.I think it would have been a lonely and miserable walk if I had been alone, however together we laughed despite the wind, cold and rain. A reminder that life’s most dismal experiences can be transformed into something brighter when we have the company of those we love.

I find that when I’ve walked in the wind or the rain there is a sense of accomplishment, similar to the feeling of elation experienced when you’ve climbed a steep mountain, and a hot drink in a warm environment is deemed a well-earned reward. My husband and I once walked along a beach in wind so strong we were bent over double to make progress. We stopped at a café for refreshments and a rest. And were grateful that for the return journey the wind was behind us blowing us along.

I can say that I’ve never regretted lacing up my shoes, donning my raincoat and braving the elements.

I’ve shared here that I ‘ve learned how creativity is a critical component to living with vitality. When my creative juices are not flowing, or  “resistance” is  rearing his ugly head, a walk to “blow the cobwebs away” is an excellent remedy.

If you’ve never tried walking in the wind (I’m not referring to hastily dashing from the grocery shop to the car or something equally urgent), I’m referring to choosing to venture into the elements for exercise – both physical and mental, then give it a go. I invite you to share your most memorable windblown or rain soaked walk in the comments below.

Wishing you a day brimming with vitality,

Esyltt

PS If you know someone who is curious about words and appreciates the occasional surprise in their inbox please share.