Have You Heard of Hygge? Think of it as a Danish Hug
Just like feng shui, the Danish concept of Hygge gives us another way to think about what home means.
Feng shui is the art of harmonizing our environment to create good fortune, wealth and health.
Hygge (pronounced Hoo-gah) is the Danish concept of contentment and belonging. Hygge is a way of being we can take with us anywhere to create a feeling of home, safety and connectedness. So whether you're at home, traveling or out with friends, you take hygge with you.
The book by Louisa Brits "The Book of Hygge" goes into great detail about how the Danes inhabit this spirit of belonging. It really resonated with me as I love the idea of taking your feeling of home and comfort with you wherever you go. It means enjoying life's simple pleasures like a fire, friends, a warm blanket to snuggle under and natural materials.
Although their climate doesn't support a lot of outdoor living, Danes are also fond of letting light in and being outside.
It's easy to sum up the idea of bringing hygge into the home by the physical comforts that create a feeling of warmth, but it's so much more!
How to embrace the spiritual aspects of hygge:
Focus on being not having
Create intimacy and connection
Be at peace with yourself
Make a home wherever you are
Celebrate slowing down
Express love with little gestures
How to physically support hygge:
Create visual warmth - light a fire or a candle
Indulge in cashmere or cuddly materials
Keep your indoors fresh smelling
Loll on a deep sofa with a loved one
Inhale warm scents like coffee and baked goods
Cocoon in clean sheets and comforters
I think we all love that feeling of being cocooned and safe. The Danes have just taken it to the next level. It's part of their culture and the way they live, alone and with each other. You have permission to go out and buy some fuzzy slippers and a candle!
