What the heck is Hygge? Just maybe, it’s YOUR pathway to happiness…

 

MY GRAND-DOG PRACTICING HYGGE

This is the ‘nest’ I made him – in my office – when he visits!

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Did you ever wonder why the Danes are always ranked as the happiest people on earth?

Year-after-year, Danish citizens are either number one or two in the ranking of HAPPY.

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I recently discovered a wonderful article describing the Danish secret to happiness.

So fascinating – this article was…..that I printed a hard copy to read and re-read while on a recent business trip with my husband.

This article confirmed absolutely everything I knew in my heart & head already.

I never knew the term:  Hygge.  (pronounced HOO-GA)

But I have practiced it since childhood.

The art of Cozy and Comfortable and Casual…..my simplistic definition.

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“Coziness of the Soul” is how Hygge is often described.

Or “making the most of little, daily pleasures”  as stated in the article.

Whether it’s making freshly baked goods, learning a new craft, or establishing a family tradition like renting a beach house during the summer…..

HYGGE is about calm, comfort, and collaboration.

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MY OFFICE WALL

I love blogging directly in front of my tiny treasures.

My favorite, inspirational wall of words reminds me what is truly important.

And my Russian Nesting Dolls along with my Beatrix Potter figurines from the 1940’s are waiting for my future grandchildren!

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There are 3 main take-a-ways I wanted to share with YOU this morning.

1. Danes believe that HYGGE Headquarters are our homes.  In that same vein, I believe that if your home is cluttered and chaotic, there is simply no room for long-term happiness.  Your home must be your safe and secure space that elevates your soul as you enter the front door.  Visual disorganization and closets stuffed with clothes you no longer wear or items you no longer value will drag down your spirit and overall countenance.

2.  The Attitude of Gratitude.  Hygge and thanksgiving are cousins.  When you can authentically feel grateful for the little things in life you will have an abundance of reasons to be happy.  Seeing wildlife on your morning walk around the lake.  Reading a book near the window on a stormy day with an afghan draped over your lap.  Insignificant to some.  Hygge to you and me!  Right?

3.  If you are happy and grateful, you will become less focused on “things” and will become kinder to others.  Your head is not on a swivel wondering if your neighbors are taking better vacations or driving nicer cars.  You won’t resent people for their career success or their good fortune. You are able to magnify the tiniest of tiny things into bountiful blessings.

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I will leave you with an anti-hygge story.

Sometimes, understanding the opposite meaning – allows you to better grasp a new concept.

If hygge is about “Enjoying the little things” – then this story is exactly a perfect, contrarian illustration.

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There was a woman.

Who had lots and lots of S-T-U-F-F.

Couldn’t get enough stuff to satisfy.

Talked about her stuff incessantly to anyone who would listen.

One day, this woman pointed out her new, very expensive piece of jewelry.

“Oh my goodness”, exclaimed her friend.

“What was the occasion to get such a beautiful gift?”

The woman laughed and said, 

“The occasion?  I wanted it.  I deserved it.  And I marched right down to the store and bought it.”

And there you have it…..The Absence of Hygge.

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Having beautiful possessions do not counteract hygge.

But having an insatiable desire for every latest and greatest gadget or bauble is blatantly non-hygge.

With a healthy practice of hygge….

You are living more-in-the-moment.  You aren’t concentrating on tomorrow or the next big event on your dayplanner.  You aren’t bragging to impress those around you.

You are still.  And loving life for what it is today.

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May this blog post instill a desire in you to begin a private practice of hygge.

My wish for you, my Readers, is simple….. I hope that your precious minutes of each day are filled with happiness.

Click Here to read this wonderful article in its entirety.

6 ways to practice hygge, the Danish secret to happiness by Kristin Canning – February 4, 2017.