Words are my love
Oleilu
A soft pause in one’s day.
The word "oleilu" is a Finnish term that is pronounced oh-lay-loo. It’s musical and its definition is poetic: To just be, or a soft pause in one's day. The quiet act of existing in the moment. Do you know how to do that? Do you know how to have oleilu?
At the moment I am sitting in my Airbnb in Santorini, Greece. From here I can hear the never-ending sound of the Aegean Sea as it crashes against the shore. It’s mesmerizing. It somehow reaches to the deep inner core of me and brings me peace. How long can I sit here and just listen to the ocean?
Outside my window there’s the screeching of two cats caught in a fight. And my oleilu has come to an end.
The other night in Oia (pronounced EE-ah) I, and hundreds of other people stood waiting and watching for the famous sunset. There were voices all around and people passing by, but I barely heard them for the warm, soft pause in my day as I watched the sky. Oleilu, till the sun went down.
Where do you go for oleilu?
Get in touch, ask questions, share thoughts: louise@louisehurdwords.com. I'd love to hear from you! Join my email list for updates on my next book, events and more.
