As part of the A-to-Z blogging challenge I’m creating a manifesto of things I believe and that delight me, based on unusual words. Today we’re hanging out in the land of N, and here lives one of my most favorite words. Let me introduce you to nefelibata.
Nefelibata (ne-fe-LE-ba-ta) is a Portuguese word meaning “a cloud walker; one who lives in the cloud of their own imagination or dreams; one who does not abide by the precepts of society, literature, or art; an unconventional, unorthodox person.”
Don’t you agree it’s both a fabulous word and a wonderful inspiration?
I am utterly enchanted by clouds. It’s so hard to wrap my mind around them, no doubt because they are so ephemeral. Science can explain particular types, but I always think of them as some peculiar shape-shifting tribe of ethereal magic. They can be such a helpful reminder of how energy moves; how things shift; how not to hold on so tightly; how to be both powerful and dance lightly.
I’m enchanted by the idea of being a cloud walker – to be so fully free of anything that keeps one out of alignment with one’s own inspired life.
I love this quote by Mark Twain:
“The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? — it is the same the angels breathe.”
While I’m tiptoeing on the clouds, I have a few other gems to share as well…
Do you know about Kelvin-Helmholzt clouds aka Van Gogh clouds? They’re swoon-worthy I tell you, and you can check them out here.
Artist Berndnaut Smilde has a love of clouds as well. Check out his Making Clouds here.
Besides walking on clouds, what about eating them as well? Meringue clouds are a definite favorite of mine and here’s a lovely recipe.
I couldn’t resist creating a little cloud art. I made some of the softest paper ever once – truly as soft as clouds – and I’ve saved every little scrap of it remaining from the original project. It made me very happy to use some of the bits as clouds.
I celebrate living in a world where I can be a nefelibata – a cloud walker engaged in my own unconventional dreams and imaginings.
What about you? What do you think about the idea of being a nefelibata? Are you a card-carrying member of the The Cloud Appreciation Society? More of a feet-on-the-ground or head-in-the-clouds kind of person? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
I just love this word, Deborah, I’m going to adopt it, definitely a nefelibata! Whoever created that word deserves a medal! xxx
You most definitely are a wonderful example of a nefelibata Mo – and more love to you because of it!
Great post, Deborah.
I have to say I have never heard of that word. It is a nice one.
I especially liked your words, ” I always think of them as some peculiar shape-shifting tribe of ethereal magic. They can be such a helpful reminder of how energy moves; how things shift; how not to hold on so tightly; how to be both powerful and dance lightly.” Wonderful.
Peace
Mary
Thanks Mary. Clouds truly are magical aren’t they?
“I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now, from up and down, and still somehow, it’s clouds’ illusions I recall.”
LOL – nice!
I can remember when I was a young girl, laying out on the grass and looking up at the clouds to see what shapes I could find. Lately I think I let the worries of the world (my world anyway), keep my head looking straight ahead or down so I don’t fall. I think it’s time I let my eyes travel upward again once in a while! Thanks for reminding me of that. Happy Sunday, Deborah!
Oh yes Janet – do point those eyes to the sky! Wishing you a wonderful Sunday, hopefully filled with lots of joy and ease.
Clouds, I’m there!
If not for my husband holding the tether line, I’d be floating in the sky all the time. He’s my anchor!
Lovely post, great inspiration!
That makes me smile Yolanda. Here’s to all the beloved tether line holders for us nefelibatas.
Nefelibata is a wonderful word that I never heard before. But I am one, I think. Thanks for sharing all the cloud resources. The paper is especially beautiful.
Nice to share the clouds with a sister walker Susan. 🙂
A beautiful and evocative word/name. One of my most treasured experiences was flying through clouds in a WW2 plane with an open cockpit. You could feel the clouds, and smell them – a little like summer rain, a little like early morning fog on a riverbank. 🙂
Oh goodness that sounds incredible Li!