Being Yourself: the solitary and secluding process

 

 

Good afternoon (or morning, or night),

I wanted to write my first post to introduce the concept of hygge (hoo-ga), or cozy living, but also create a comfy space for you to feel at ease. The world outside is bustling and occasionally hectic, so this blog will be here for you to slow down and rest easy. If you would like, put on your thickest socks, and light a few candles while cozying up with your pillows and blankets while you read.

My mother introduced to me this lifestyle that I was already living. I had no idea that “hygge” was the name for it. I thrive in my many pillows, “woobie” blankets as my family calls the plush throw blankets, and thick plush socks before I knew that this was an intention, a practice, in another country. I also don’t mentally process anything too quickly and I easily become anxious, so to counteract the anxiety and help my mental process, I live slowly, which is what “hygge” is all about.

In the United States, this Danish lifestyle is not well-known. Myself and my family had no idea it existed. But the more I invite this word into conversation with others, the more I realize how many people don’t know, but are willing to learn. Self-care and self-love are two topics that are becoming more popular and are the key concepts for living hyggeligt.

Living hyggeligt is a conscious way of living, an awareness to light the candles, to put on that chunky knit sweater, and make a cup of tea. You are in the process of getting consciously cozy. According to Meik Wiking from his book The Little Book of Hygge, “[h]ygge 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 silent company—or simply just by yourself enjoying a cup of tea,” (Wiking, vi). I will be referencing this book a bit and though I do recommend you read it for yourself, it’s not necessary. I will explain this concept to the best of my ability with all my tips and experiences.

This blog will be about how I incorporate hygge into my life, which I hope will inspire you to do the same. I believe that feeling safe and comfortable is very important to living a happy life and I hope you feel this as you continue reading.

Resources

Wiking, M. (2017). The little book of hygge: Danish secrets to happy living. William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.