Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’m sharing my thoughts and reflections on a lexicon (vocabulary specific to a certain subject) of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words. Ludic is defined as “playful, in an aimless way” and that’s my plan for approaching this challenge – keeping my feet on the joy trail and meandering wherever the daily word takes me.
N is for…
nitid – (adj) Bright; lustrous; shining
The first known use of this beauty of a word was 1615, and I am more than happy to invite it back into regular usage.
I believe there is much in our world that is bright, lustrous and shining. I’d so so far as to say it even sparkles. For the most part I’m not particularly drawn to over-the-top manufactured displays of glitter. More is not actually better in that department for me. I prefer the more subtle display that is just as lusterous, but is something that requires you to be present and paying attention. That little momentary glimpse of sparkle is like a bonus cosmic reward – and unexpected treasure, and a true heart gift that deepens the delight.
Lord Byron wrote: “Years steal fire from the mind as vigor from the limb; and life’s enchanted cup but sparkles near the brim.”
Frankly, I think that’s a rather pessimistic view of things, and I wholeheartedly believe that “life’s enchanted cup” sparkles throughout. Furthermore, I believe we need to be careful how we hold and speak of things as it tends to solidify our position, often not in a helpful way. The true delight of sparkle and luster for me is that it entirely depends on your perspective – a bit of light catches it this way, and then shifts and it’s gone. It’s such a vibrant invitation into staying open to flow, staying open to looking, staying open to letting your delight be captured.
Once again this past winter I re-ignited my love affair with mica and all its shining magic. Just as the season’s light naturally begins to lessen, I look for tiny little ways to add back in a bit of shine. I indulge in this lovely body oil from Herbivore, scented with rose and jasmine oils and shimmering with tiny bits of mica.
I’ve often used mica flakes and sheets in my art, and I always have a stone or two that contains mica out somewhere where I can pick it up and allow myself to be mesmerized a bit. I’m particularly fond of aventurine, and at the start of every Spring I put out a favorite piece of rubellite-included lavender-colored lepidolite whose mica sparkles seem like the perfect harbingers of the magic that Spring unfolds.
In Chinese medicine, mica is known as a sacred mirror, and I love contemplating this. Self-reflection and the ability to see ourselves as multi-faceted are important to me, and mica is a great ally in this.
But all things that shine, all that hold nitid properties are invitations. To remember that we can all hold and transmit light; that we can always alter our position so that we receive those flashes of light from others; that there truly is beauty all around us – this to me is always true. Often we simply need to pay attention.
Here’s what I know for sure: the world is filled with nitid treasures that invite us into deeper awareness. All around us there is always magic and nuance, the bold and the only hinted at, all waiting to be recognized if we have the eyes to see.
What nitid wonders are brightening your life? What’s inspiring you to shine? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
I’d categorise the first light of day that falls across our living room floor under this subheading: ‘That little momentary glimpse of sparkle — like a bonus cosmic reward”
It falls on the floor tiles and catches the green pigments of the house plants sitting by the window. I’m drawn to like a magnet.
I think that’s a perfect example – and oh, how lovely it sounds.
Your shiny stone is very pretty. Beautiful word too, nitid!
It’s definitely one of those words that makes me smile.
What a lovely little word! I must confess I’ve not heard it before, but its meaning offers many possibilities to the writer. I’ll be adding it to my lexicon for sure!
It doesn’t get better than that, does it?
Hari Om
Well… right now the etherways are far from nitid… I was wondering what happened to you and just discovered that your posts are not reaching my reading list since three days… there has been all sorts of strange goings on as Google tinkers under the hood gearing up to another big change in July… sigh…
Which means that as I type, my mood is also lacking in nitid quality.
That said, I always come and feel restored in your meanderings through the more delicate and ancient words of our language and the nitidness of life seeps back and the smile broadens… YAM xx
How mysterious about the Google tricks – I hope it sorts out with ease. Thanks for the kind words, and may you find all manner of nitid delights to brighten your day and heart.
Perfect choice for letter N today — I was just down in my garden after the rain, and the droplets were sparkling atop my sage plant. Nitid…I must remember that word. Thanks! https://mollyscanopy.com/2021/04/norm-my-career-building-dad-atozchallenge/
Oh, how lovely – sparkling drops really are wonderful.
Two nitid things that make me shine in their reflection are seeing bright sunlight as a backdrop to new spring leaves and listening to new music that evokes joy.
My “N” Tull tune of the day:
http://tao-talk.com/2021/04/16/a2z-2021-jethro-tull-songs-day-14a-new-day-yesterday-from-stand-up-1969/
I agree, sunlight on new Spring leaves is fabulous. It’s such a unique, only-here-for-a-little-while green and it feels like a privilege to catch sight of it. And yes to the discovery of music that delights – that’s always special.
Oh, I like this word!
Springtime, with its sun shining off morning dew, makes the whole world luminescent at times. If only for a moment. 🙂
To answer your closing question: I live on an island, and the way the water glimmers as the sun goes down could be described as one of the nitid things that currently brighten my life.
Oh, that glimmering water sounds fabulous!
a raindrop captured by Sun
a lake or ocean captured by Moon
and yes truly beauty and magic all around and within us when we choose to See..
Lovely Sandra.
Like you I dislike glitter, but love the sudden fire when the light catches a stone or surface. Although I’m not a diamond person, my rings sparkle and shine in the sun.
That unexpected fire sparkle is fabulous.
That body oil sounds lovely!
I have my mineral collection displayed above my desk, and it is always lovely to look at how they sparkle…
The Multicolored Diary
Love it!