The Art of Hygge
HYGGE: is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.
“To give courage, comfort and joy” and “to hug”
Hygge calls on us to experience a sense of togetherness with family, or loved ones in the social flow--I think especially applicable to the Christmas or Yule time: HOWEVER I think there is a terrible epidemic of something in America that reaches its hideous peak at Christmas. This is called consumerism. NOW- I’m not bashing anyone who buys presents, or christmas decorations, or anything like that, I’m not a troll, I love Christmas and presents just as much as the next guy-but seriously, it’s gotten out of control.
Hygge is simple. What feels good? Snuggling with your cats or kids with some coco in front of a fire, or spending your water bill money to make sure your best friend knows you care about him?? There is an abundance of stress associated with the holidays, from affording gifts to dealing with in-laws, or your own family--I mean, truly shit gets real during Christmas. Hygge is about embracing what feels good, and I think it supports creating boundaries for expectations you put on yourself to be a good wife/friend/daughter/sister/secret santa.
Hygge naturally flows with all the energy of the Dark Half of the Year...cause have you guys been to Norwegian? Lol-it’s cold, and dark for crazy long. I think embracing this concept will give you support and comfort moving through the cold months, and support your senses if you choose to practice shadow work. It’s going to make you feel good, no doubt about it.
TIPS:
Create the atmosphere:
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace use it! If not you might want to designate a night a week to engage with your partner, family, or friends around a bonfire outside
Hanging fairy lights, or twinkle lights up in your home instantly creates cozy vibes
CANDLES! Candles are like a hug for the senses--with your favorite scents going, and your eyes seeing by gentle candlelight---YES burn the candles!
Surround yourself with things you love: the possibilities here are endless: art, music, fabrics, colors, food, drink, people, pets…
Bring in some natural decor from outside (hello Christmas trees!) you can also make a nice wreath out of treasures you find on nature walks, and hang herbs and flowers to dry. Once I made this really awesome wind chime thing-but it wasn’t a chime; I took this gorgeous branch and hang ribbons from it, attached to the ribbons were charms, seashells, feathers--all kinds of stuff.
Create the most pampering and sacred self for yourself-this can be temporary in your bathroom when take a luxurious bath, or the coziest reading nook, zen den, or meditation corner -- a space solely for you, filled with all your treasures, for your enjoyment (not your husband’s, not your kids’, not your grandpa’s)
Dress for the part--I’m thinking that everyone here has a love affair with leggings, yoga and sweat pants--or whatever is comfy and loose! Make sure you’re dressing yourself in warm, soft fabrics-worn in and weathered with love, or new and fuzzy. Invest in some nice slippers, or those really nice last you forever socks
Nourish yourself for the part: Eat nutrient rich stews, soups, teas, ciders- everything warm and comforting. Hygge is all about the breads (sourdough especially) so if your diet allows, eat all the baked goods. Which leads me to intentional and dare I say spiritual food preparation. Have you ever baked a loaf of bread? I haven’t, but I know that it takes patience and determination-and stamina right? All that kneading...You don’t HAVE to bake bread, but maybe make some homemade crust for a quiche or pie, go to your farmers market and get tons of fresh vegetables (and a good soup bone if your diet permits) and make a wholesome soup, filled with vitamins. Make a ritual out of brewing a cup of tea. Stay in the moment the whole time you’re filling the kettle, listening to the hiss then whistle, the fragrance of your tea as you’re pouring the steaming hot water into your mug….while it’s brewing you could think about gratitude, and savor every moment of every sip….
Create a feeling of togetherness-support-friendship-family:
You can host a potluck with friends, or a bonfire with warm beverages--heck you can even get creative with it and all bring poetry (original or not) to share! Doing something like this with your friends and community can open the channels of connectedness by allowing vulnerability through art, and sharing of that art--all the while respecting and enjoying what everyone has to offer
You could host or organize a game night with friends and family
Bundle up and go for a long walk with a friend, partner, or family-this can be through your neighborhood or in a location where you can soak up all the deliciousness of nature and her season
Have a movie night
Listen to music, or better yet play some music with friends
Now that we’ve covered all the physical elements of getting your hygge on, it’s time to cover the heart of hygge---
Gratitude: being thankful for this time your allowing yourself with friends, family, or simply with yourself is a blessing! Enjoy every moment and every aspect of it!
Stay in the moment: there’s a lot of hype going on around this phrase--but what does it mean really? It means you turn your thinker off! Allow your senses to envelop you-notice the smells of a burning fire, or a fragrant meal, let your eyes take on the lens of an awe-struck child and marvel at the color of the leaves, or the night sky---TURN YOUR PHONE OFF, in general but especially if you are making time with loved ones-be present, and let your undivided attention be a gift. Engage in conversation, talk about how good the food is, or how beautiful the woods are--and it absolutely MUST take a damn picture and post it LATER! Try and let go of any dwelling you might be doing on the past, or future and allow yourself to feel the joy of every moment. When we cut the cord of worry-when we stop planning our next moves, questioning if we paid that bill, thinking about going to the DMV tomorrow we give ourselves a gift that’s invaluable. Now, of course you need to think about things to get necessary things done, but not during game night with your family, not during a relaxing candle lit bath, not during dinner with friends.
On the topic of anxiety, or dwelling as I just put it, if you feel some type of worry well up despite your efforts--allow it, accept it and let it go! You’re not in the future, you’re right here, right now.
“The mind, to ensure that it remains in control, seeks continuously to cover up the present with the past and future...How to stop creating time? Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have”
