Hygge
It’s winter. The daylight is limited and the skies are often clouded with shades of grey in Pittsburgh. I find myself celebrating any small bit of a blue sky day and noticing the lengthening moments of daylight during these cold months.
It is a good time of the year to practice Hygge. Hygge (hoo-gah) is a Danish word that describes a cozy, contented mood evoked by comfort, simplicity and being present. An emphasis on hygge is a core part of Danish culture. Researchers Smoyer and Miking define hygge as a “restorative practice”.
My daughter Skyanna and I had a wonderful opportunity recently to spend time with the Sisters of Divine Providence experiencing and learning more about the practice of hygge.
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” is a common phrase in Scandinavia. They embrace getting outside even if the weather is less than ideal. Spending time outside every day can make a difference in our mood and energy. We started with a winter walk and came prepared with warm layers for the cold day. The magic of snow flakes began floating all around us just after we began our walk. We returned inside to the warmth of conversation and hot cocoa.
Barbara Hayden authored the book Hygge: Unlock the Danish Art of Coziness and Happiness.
The following are some highlights of the practice of hygge:
Hygge is all about self care. It is about giving yourself permission to set down your stresses and worries and making sure that you are healthy and happy. Only then can you help others be happy and healthy as well. It is taking time to relax and take care of yourself in a balanced, gentle way. It is a philosophy of comfort, togetherness, and well-being.
Sip on a warm drink. Instead of drinking your morning coffee in a travel container on the commute to work, make coffee or tea a special morning comfort routine.
Simplicity! Hygge is all about appreciating the simple pleasures in life: get outdoors, talk with friends, spend time in a cafe, read a good book, stay in the present and appreciate what you have.
Cafe culture is important all over Europe, but it is a huge part of the hygge lifestyle. Cafes are central to the Danish day. The cafe culture is about being with friends, enjoying warm drinks and tasty foods. Connection and community with others is encouraged.
Prepare dinner at home and eat together. Put phones away and be present. Eat warm nourishing healthy local foods. Make each evening a gathering that is worthy of a holiday season as often as possible.
Atmosphere cements the mindset. There is a focus on soft lighting, comforting decor, windows, simplicity of design and a minimum of clutter. Less stuff equals more life.
There should be comfortable cozy nooks in every home with cushions, blankets and soft lighting. A cushion in front of a fireplace, a window seat or a rocker can be quiet, peaceful places where you can curl up with a good book, a journal or a mug of hot cocoa and your thoughts.
“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down. You may be having an endless conversation about the small or big things in life – or just be comfortable in each other’s company – or simply just be by yourself enjoying a cup of tea.”
* The Little Book Of Hygge by Meik Wiking.
An intentional EcoVillage in the woods at Providence Heights sounds like the perfect place that hygge can be practiced and experienced throughout every season!
– Mimi Baker, Founding Member & future resident of RCE, February 8, 2024