A friend introduced us to "The Little book of Hygge" recently... what a wonderful read. I wanted to share the ideas it offers- how the simplest things in life create a very satisfying life.
Written by Meik Wiking, who I think probably has the best job in the world, working at the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. The book explores why the Danish people are number one on the happiness rankings and how "Hygge" (Hoo ga) relates to this.
Hygge is a tricky thing to explain. It is a feeling rather than a "thing". It is the gathering of a number of elements in your life that makes you feel relaxed, happy, content... To quote the book, "Hygge has been called everything from 'the art of creating intimacy', 'cosiness of the soul' and 'the absence of annoyance'".
What is an example that might create this? Think about when you have put on your favourite T-shirt and/or socks, grabbed a wonderful book, a cup of coffee or tea ( and a piece of cake), lit a beeswax candle, turned out the lights, sat in the big cosy chair and covered yourself with the quilt your grandma made you... that was your "Hygge" moment.
I love the Hygge manifesto in the book offering all the factors to create your moments, ten all up, here are five:
1. Atmosphere: turn out the lights and light a candle. Candles are the most important element in a Hygge lifestyle.
2. Presence: be here and now, turn off the phone.
3. Pleasure: Coffee (or Chai), chocolate, cookies, cakes... (raw or cooked)
4. Equality: "We" over "me" Share the tasks and the air time
5. Gratitude: Take it in. This might be as good as it gets.
I will leave the rest for the book.
In our busy, and often complex world this is a wonderful collection of thoughts.
We are very lucky to be a part of so many peoples worlds and how they live. Many of our friends do have a life full of "Hygge" and we feel we are lucky enough to have some of these moments too.
Hope you get the chance to read the book and enjoy the happiness.
We have another deeper dive into Hygge in our Blog here.
You may also like our blog on the 6 little ways to make your life more peaceful here.
One of our most popular blogs is the “Sacred Space: Creating a powerful personal altar.”