Her Hygge Heart
Alliteration is comforting, what can I say?!
I have been reading, The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking.
I say, “HOO-GAH”.
A few years ago I stumbled upon the idea of the hygge lifestyle while becoming interested in design aesthetics for our family home. Scandinavian and Wabi-Sabi (please do a quick Google search on these styles if you enjoy simple, yet beautiful, functional style) were the focus of the YouTube videos and seemed more aligned to my goals at the time.
Therein the speakers were discussing the cultivation of hygge in the spaces to generate the warmth that we hope for in our homes. The idea centered on the basic concept that if the design is simple it is less likely to compete with a calm atmosphere, created by hygge.
This resonated with me, because very rarely do I enjoy loud aesthetics, and I always enjoy a cozy and inviting space.
A quiet aloof nook in a classic bookstore, with warm lighting, a reader or two, myself and a book? Count me in.
The screened-in porch, a rainstorm, blanket, heater, tea, and good book? I’m there.
Moments to steal. Almost guilty they are so delicious to the soul.
Wiking’s book is lovely and I feel that the premise most closely resembles what he calls, “coziness of the soul”.
It embodies several elements and a way of living that invites you to settle in and enjoy the simplistic beauty of life’s most precious moments.
To sum it up using, “The Hygge Manifesto” from Meik Wiking’s book, hygge is:
Atmosphere-Soft lighting, think candlelight soft.
Presence-Be in the moment.
Pleasure-An indulgent treat.
Equality-Share the moment, do not monopolize it.
Gratitude-This IS a great moment.
Harmony-No bragging, enjoy.
Comfort-Relax.
Truce-No drama.
Togetherness-Build relationships and reminisce.
Shelter-Peace and security.
This summary is too basic, but also, that is what makes hygge so lovely. Once you experience it, this is enough, because it is as much a feeling as anything else.
Create imagery with each of these tenets and imagine yourself in this space.
What do you see?
Feel?
Hear?
Evoke the senses to enjoy that serene moment.
THAT is what I love about hygge…
It reminds me what is most important in my life and then to take that knowledge and cherish it with meaningful time.
One of my favorite scriptures in the bible is, Psalms 46:10; “Be still and know that I am God.”
Very hygge isn’t it? I jest, but it’s a call to action of the mind, body, spirit, and heart.
Be still and focus on what’s most important.
This is why I love hygge.
~Fin~