Another philosophy you need to know about is the Danish Hygge. It’s pronounced as hoo-ga and is translated as coziness. Scandinavian countries have their way of enjoying life, they always score the highest in the happiness ranks and people there seem to be genuinely chill. Hygge is a core element of Danish culture.
The philosophy of Hygge is a whole lifestyle that people tend to follow. It has nothing special to it, yet the simplicity makes it remarkable.
After my research on this philosophy, for me, it all comes down to two aspects in Hygge:
Atmosphere
Presence
The atmosphere is how you set up your environment to enjoy it yourself. Presence is how you experience the environment and experiences around you.
Atmosphere
Chances are, you are probably living a Hygge life yourself. Rolling up in a blanket and drinking hot cocoa counts as Hygge. Listening to ambient music, wearing cozy sweaters, and setting up warm lighting also does. Anything that makes you feel good at home is basically Hygge. It’s all about self-love and relaxation.
Doing whatever you love is a part of it. Watching a movie, listening to music, building Lego sets is all Hygge.
It also doesn't have to be alone. Hygge encourages relaxation with close friends and your loved ones.
You can find a lot of Hygge guides online. They will teach you how to make your home a cozier place and how to enjoy it fully.
Presence
One of the main principles here is your attitude towards things. Denmark has really cold winters. Instead of hating them with their whole heart, danish people decided to accept it and only see the good. You can’t do anything about the weather. It’s Hygge when you don’t focus on negativity. It’s Hygge when you are present. They conquered Winter and enjoy all the activities that come with it.
Hygge won’t work if you are stressed or not genuinely involved in your leisure activities. It’s asking you to slow down. That’s what it’s all about. Take a break and focus on your wellness.
Final Thoughts
Even though there are some things you should keep in mind, Hygge is different for every person. There is no ideal version of it because every life and every person is different.
I love how different concepts all over the world are. You have the American Dream on one side of the globe and something like Hygge on the other.
It doesn't urge you to do anything, to worry, or to bother. All it teaches us is that taking time off is okay. We have to learn how to relax. That’s what Hygge is. It’s not about remembering the rules. It exists to remind you of the importance of relaxation.
The point of Hygge is to have a nice time and enjoy life, why else are we here? Is this the reason Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world?
Hans Christian Anderson once wrote:
“Just living isn't enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower."
Thank you for reading this issue, have a great rest of your week! <3
Let me know if you enjoyed this week’s edition!
đŸ‘‡
Hello Rufat, This was lovely and so topical for me at the moment. I have joined in the the Charles Eisenstein Wanna Join me for a News Fast. See link below. I am on day four now and what a difference. I feel more Hyyge within myself as I do not tussle with the daily ebb and flow of the confusion and complexity that is out there at the moment. Your writing soothed and encourages me today đŸ’–. https://charleseisenstein.substack.com/p/wanna-join-me-in-a-news-fast)