Hygge

Hygge (pronounced hooga) is a Danish word that doesn’t really have a direct translation into the English language. So, I’ll stick to a description from the official website of Denmark, denmark.dk, which states that ‘hygge is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.. It’s an opportunity to unwind and take things slow.’

The different seasons can be an inspiration for choosing your way of cultivating hygge; a picnic with freshly squeezed lemonade in the summer, or a bowl of hot stew around a firepit in the winter. A walk along the beach to watch the sunrise, or snuggling down under a blanket with a cocoa at the end of the day. The ethos seems to be finding something that feels good, uplifting, and enhances a state of wellbeing, and connection to our environments.

We might also see this as an embodiment practice, one that expands to draw inspiration from our homes, our friends and family, the natural world and changing weather patterns. It encourages us to unplug, to tune back in to what feels comforting and supportive in our bodies. Hygge asks us to use our senses, to take advantage of the tactile elements of our surroundings; the feel of our snuggliest slippers, or the touch of the breeze on our skin. It prompts us to develop an awareness of what we need to feel balanced, taken care of. It reminds us of the importance of togetherness, the comfort and resilience that comes from having shared moments with the people in our lives. A moment to put our differences aside, and celebrate what we all have in common - the need to feel well, safe, and happy.

How do you cultivate a sense of hygge in your life?