While traveling in England this summer, I picked up a book on the concept of hygge. The irony of this is that I was in the countryside feeling like I was in a storybook, surrounded by copious amounts of hygge, but yet completely unaware of the term. Although I didn’t know the definition of this word at first, I was very familiar with the concept. I'm sure you are too.
The Danes would argue that the word comes from Denmark and the Danish language, but wherever this beautiful word came from, it can easily be understood in all cultures.
hyg·ge
/ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/
noun
a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
I was reminded of this book and concept when I stepped into my favorite coffee shop today for a little matcha latte after yoga. All of these things are my favorite- yoga, warmth, matcha, cozy coffee shops. But to my surprise my favorite coffee shop had been expanded and added even more hygge space. This coffee shop embodies hygge with its cool vibe, comfy vintage furniture, beautiful low lighting and warm colors on the wall. It just feels cozy. It is hygge. It makes you want to find your own cool cozy corner and sit down with your laptop and write or read.
Unfortunately, I can’t think of an English word that embodies all of the complexities of hygge, other than cozy. But cozy is just not descriptive or deep enough.
The reason I feel compelled to write about hygge is because I think our culture lacks so much hygge. We don’t even have a proper translated word, let alone a culture that embraces the need for rest, relaxation, getting cozy with a good cup of tea and a good book, or the sweet concept of just doing nothing. The word is unpretentious. You cannot use hygge in a sentence that carries any boastfulness or luxury. Hygge is unassuming. It doesn’t require anything designer or expensive or complicated. It just is. It’s a feeling. An emotion. A desire. It’s time with a close friend in a quiet spot with a candle lit and a warm drink in your favorite mug. It can be time by yourself curled up with your favorite blanket while you read a book by a crackling fire. Walking in nature and listening to the birds and insects is pure hygge. For me, the smell of a yoga studio and that floating shavasana feeling at the end of class is glorious hygge.
Why did it take me 41 years to hear and fully understand this word? I’ll tell you one thing for sure- I don’t plan to spend one more day not appreciating and seeking out all that is hygge. I look for hygge moments in every day.
I hope you do too!
Scenes from the Cotswolds in the United Kingdom:
Our little unpretentious soft place to land- an old railroad car- pure hygge!
Reference:
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living (The Happiness Institute Series) https://a.co/d/aEVe6Rx
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