"Complete absence of anything annoying or emotionally overwhelming." This is part of the Danish concept of hygge, the term that captures feelings of coziness, warmth, charm and simplicity. All things good. I admit to needing, even longing, for that. We don't want emotional overwhelm right now. Our thresholds are low. Mine is.
The word comes originally from the Old Norse word hugga, which means to comfort or console, i.e. our word hug. But in Denmark it's an entire cultural phenomenon and has become so here as well. Especially in fall and winter, we strive for hygge (pronounced hooga) as we bring out our quilts, sweaters and cozy socks. In our country, the concept so named became noticeably popular by 2017 when in response the Oxford English Dictionary added it to our vocabulary. The same year The Little Book of Hygge became a hit. Community, family, simple quiet times and warm feelings--who wouldn't be enchanted?
What intrigues me is the idea that we can create a spot, a mood, a corner or an evening devoid of the annoying or overwhelming. That is definitely worth a try. And since the Danes consistently win the competition for the world's happiest people--despite their long, cold, dark winters--who better to emulate.
In a prior post I mentioned that we have been sitting by our fire pit in the evening, the one (of two) that got so much use during the pandemic. While there's no way to remember fondly the fear Covid without a vaccine engendered, we might have fond memories of some of the ways we coped. For example, we brought out warm throws and sat by the fire pit with friends, chili bubbling in the crockpot under the market lights and candles spread about, their flames flickering into the dark. Our Maltipoo Wiggles took turns lap-warming. I knitted hats for Christmas gifts. It was, despite all, a hygge season.
And that's where we are now. Post-election, nursing our wounds, guarding our hearts and Thanksgiving around the corner. Leaves falling or fallen, wanting very much not to be overwhelmed or anxious. I love the idea of taking control of our own well-being by snuggling under lap robes by a fire with a warm drink and a book or movie. I love the idea of herding the kids onto the couch, even though my own kids are grown. I love, don't you, these early nights with comfort food and soft pajamas?
Let's think of all the things that make us feel warm, loved, happy and at peace. Then let's pursue them. If there's something unpleasant holding forth in your mind, shut it out. Don't give it space. Not today. Take a mental and emotional break from annoyances or worse and love yourself and each other. Let fragrances loose everywhere: vanilla tea, cinnamon cider, apple pie, pumpkin spice lattes, cedar branches mixed with holly. Add in the family quilt that someone carefully made with generations in mind, knowing it would outlive her. Find a cuddler--a dog, a child. Even chickens purr like cats, I've been told. Pick up your favorite craft and have on music in the background.
Draw your life in or let it expand, whatever works best for you. This is not the time for emotional overwhelm. Let the hygge begin. Nina Naomi
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