Hygge-not emulating, living it!

A few years ago while browsing through a book shop I came across a book called “The Little Book Of Hygge” Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Institute, Copenhagen.

I did a quick google on the author and found that Meik has been called, The Indiana Jones of Smiles and probably the World’s Happiest Man by The Times. I must say I was intrigued. I bought the book and on reaching home, read it page to page in one go.

Hygge, pronounced “hoo-ga,” cannot be translated to one single word but loosely translates to “coziness” or “comfort,” and it’s often used to describe a feeling of contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life.

It derives from a Norwegian term, hugga, meaning “to comfort” or “to console,” which is related to the English word “hug.”

Associated with relaxation, indulgence, and gratitude, hygge has long been considered a part of the Danish national character

This national obsession with all things cozy is credited as one of the reasons why Denmark is always at the top of the list of the world’s happiest countries, despite their infamously miserable winters.

Hygge, encourages screen-free activities, such as reading a book, playing games or simply chatting with friends, which could have a more positive effect on well-being in the long run. It is socializing with loved ones at home, snuggling in warm clothes, feeling sheltered and safe, enjoying indulgent foods, drinking mulled wine and soft lighting.

The book had beautiful warm pictures describing all of above. I found myself yearning for winter and all things snug and homey.

I loved the concept.

I live in Singapore, how would I get Danish winters.

In this fast paced life how will we slow down and enjoy little things.

I couldn’t do much about the weather part but I however started working towards recreating some of the gorgeous images in the book.

Since Singapore has long summers and no winters, I could not exactly opt for roaring fireplace, so the best way to mellow up was by using lots of wood natural textures and warm color.

I picked up small indoor plants, soft throw blankets and lots of candles. I for once was ok with all the fairy lights my girls had put up in their rooms. I would try and create the loving cosy environment on weekends. When everyone packed them up with social engagements, I liked to keep our days light. Lazy afternoons with books and board games.Pizza and movie & extended dinner table conversations.

Sadly all of it was short lived, the concept faded away in few weeks as speed of life caught up again. I dismissed the concept. It’s not for tropical country, I grudgingly admitted to myself, we can step out any day of the year, there isn’t a reason to stay indoors.

Recently while rearranging my bookshelf ,I found this book again, I realised that me and the rest of the world has inadvertently begun to catch on to this wonderful way of life.

This virus has rearranged our lives, We are reordering our priorities.

This virus has humbled & slowed us down.

I flipped through the pages of the book again, some of the images were so similar to images of us as family ever since the circuit breaker/lockdown started. It was like having a vision board and seeing those visions coming true.

I was thrilled. Another silver lining.

With every passing day , with no opportunity to spend, on anything else but groceries, we are becoming aware of the decoupling between wealth and wellbeing. We are buying less and yet not missing much. Not dressing up, yet feeling the best. Not partying, yet connected.

Thanks to the masks we are beginning to look people in the eyes.

It is becoming clear that after our basic needs are met, more money doesn’t lead to more happiness.

During this forced pause, we are able to focus on what brings us a better quality of life. We are able to value, family time. Simple meals are fun when cooked together as a family. Movie on Netflix can be more endearing than an evening out to a movie hall. Board games and books can be more fun then screens.

We are video calling ones who are far and minimising the distance of the heart. We are at home, safe and content.

Life indoors in warm singapore can be Hygge. This time me and my family is not recreating or emulating a concept, we are living it!

We may not be wearing socks but we sure have our feet up.

I am reminded of the famous quote from the book ,The Plague, by Albert Camus “In the depth of the winter, I finally learned that there lay within me an invincible summer”

For me it sounds more like “ In depth of the summer , I finally learned that there lay within me an invincible winter”