As I grow older, I am more interested in improving the happiness quotient in my life. I am constantly on the look out books, articles and podcasts on how to lead a more happier and peaceful life. It’s probably natural for life priorities to mature over time. Happiness and peace have become a key priority for me.
In this quest, one of the books that caught my attention was – The Little Book of Hygge- The Danish way to Living Well by Meik Wiking. I have always been a fan of vicarious learning. If people have figured something out- there is no shame in following in the footsteps on the wise women and men. Life is too short to make all your own mistakes.
Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world. So when a Danish author gives your tips on living well -you listen very closely. I was also very intrigued by Meik’s background. He is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute based in Denmark. Yup- you read that right. There is actually an organization whose key purpose is to study happiness. I was already sold on the book before I even read it.
***
What is Hygge?
First of all a tricky word to pronounce. This is how the first chapter starts
Hooga, Hhyooguh? Heurgh? It’s not important how you choose to pronounce or even spell “hygge”. To paraphrase one of the greatest philosophers of our time – Winnie-the-Pooh- when asked how to spell a certain emotion, “You don’t spell it, you feel it.”
However spelling and pronouncing ‘hygge’ is the easy part. Explaining exactly what it is that’s the tricky part. Hygge has been called everything from ‘the art of creating intimacy’, ‘cosiness of the soul’ and ‘the absence of annoyance’ to taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things, ‘cosy togetherness’ and my personal favourite, ‘cocoa by candlelight’
Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with 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.
The book is filled with anecdotes and stories about how to create Hygge is various aspects of life, from Togetherness, to Food, Clothing and Home.
The ten key elements of the Hygge Manifesto include
- Atmosphere: Turn down the lights
- Presence: Be here now. Turn off the phones
- Pleasure: Coffee, chocolates, cookies, cakes, candy
- Equality: ‘We’ over ‘me. Share the tasks and airtime
- Gratitude: Take it in. It may be as good as it gets
- Harmony: Its not a competition. We already like you. There is no need to brag about your achievements
- Comfort: Get Comfy. Take a break. Its all about relaxation
- Truce: No drama: Lets discuss politics another day
- Togetherness: Build relationships and narratives
- Shelter: This is your tribe. This is a place of peace and security
The hygge experience is thus a full smorgasbord for you to relish amongst the company of good friends and family in a relaxed environment and enjoying simple pleasures.
In some forms most cultures do embibe similar features and aspects. The world ofcourse is looking to get as much of the Hyggelit life as possible.
Meik takes you on a fantastic journey across Denmark and gives you a very ring side view of the Danish life. There’s a lot to Danish culture which other countries and cultures would do so well to absorb.
***
Work-Life Balance
The Danes seem to have truly understood the meaning of work life balance and this culture is very well entrenched in their workplace as well. Working beyond 5 is considered taboo. People with children leave by 4. Manages avoid setting up meetings late in the evening.
Coming from an Indian work culture background this looks completely unbelievable. We are ingrained with the belief of working for 8-10 hours every day to get ahead in careers. Work-life balance has been an alien concept to us. Ofcourse the pandemic has completely reshaped beliefs in this area. My organization is leaning towards a Work from Anywhere model. Living in Denmark now doesn’t seem such a bad idea. Couple that with Negative interest rates – Denmark is looking like a dream destination.
***
What does Hygge mean to me?
“You can’t buy happiness , but you can buy cake and that is almost the same thing, – at least, that might be our brains opinion”
Comfort food and Hygge experience go hand in hand as Hygge is about a creating a pleasurable experience and that’s what comfort food does.
If I could sum up my personal definition of Hygge it would be “Good food in Good company in comfy conditions and a relaxed environment. The example more closer to home for me would be enjoying a hot cup of tea with Pakoras on a rainy afternoon.
Different elements from the traditional Danish experience– Tea not Coffee, Pakoras not cake, and Rain not Snow.
The underlying feeling though would be uniquely Hyggelit.
***
Conclusion
You don’t need material possessions to be happy.
Reading this book during the pandemic made me understand how little happiness had to do with material acquisitions. It was enjoying the simple pleasures of life with people you love. I got to spend a lot of time with my family and I believe I did get a chance to enjoy many Hygge moments during the past year.
Check out this wonderful book and take a trip down the lanes of Copenhagen with Meik. Hope you enjoy the journey as much as I did.
