pronounced hoo-guh is a Danish word and it refers to a feeling or mood that happens when we take pleasure in making the ordinary, everyday moments more meaningful, beautiful or special, according to Alex Beauchamp of Hygge House. She goes on to say that it is not some kind of a lifestyle that has to adopted...it just requires us to be present and recognize the moment we are in as being sweet, or charming, or special, or nice, or reassuring, or happy, or contented, or secure....or..... 'So whether it’s making coffee by creating a ritual of making it every morning, to a cosy evening in with friends where you’re just enjoying each others company, to the simple act of lighting a candle with every meal, Hygge is being aware of a good moment whether it’s simple or special.'
By making every action a simple hygge moment, each moment stops feeling like a drudge moment. Instead it becomes a happy, cosy moment.
6 essentials for hygge:
1. Living Lights. Light candles. This is the fastest way to get hygge.
2. Something Sinful. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a treat now and again. Caution: It should not be anything fancy or extravagant. That is not hygge. Hygge is making everyday things special - so popcorn, or a bowl of stew, or coffee and cake would be hygge. In other words, something sinful is is an integral part of the hygge ritual.
3. Chore-sharing. Everyone takes part in the chores of a hyggelig evening. For example, everyone helps in getting the food ready. Everyone shares in the conversation. Everyone is equal. Everyone is relaxed.
4. Planned Reminiscence. Hygge helps us to be grateful for everyday things that happen every day. We learn to savor simple pleasures. Every moment is important. Remembering these moments that we made special for ourselves and for our friends and family is also important.
5. A Special Nook. This is an absolute. This nook is YOUR PERSONAL SPACE where you can snuggle up with a blanket, a book and a cup of hot chocolate. It's a very comfortable place and just entering this space gives a feeling of well-being. This is the place to head to - for homemakers or officegoers - at the end of a long day.
6. Together Time. While you need your own solitude time, it is also fun when you can be with like-minded people. Time with good friends creates a warm, comfy, relaxed atmosphere. A place of sharing happiness.
We don't have to be Danish to have hygge. When we believe that we are not just bits of drudge doing drudge work every drudge day, then we can add hygge to our Zen and Tao practices to create a beautiful, simple, uncomplicated life...