“Hygge is about fostering a long-term sense of happiness and general well-being; material consumption and ambitious striving are ephemeral distractions that lead us not to happiness ~ but to hurriedness. Hygge gives us the opportunity to step back from our overly busy lives and instead, start to value the small, daily joys we are surrounded by. It encourages us to be present in our own lives.
Philosophically speaking, hygge is about comfort and coziness, preferably in the spirit of fellowship and family. Practically speaking, hygge is about designing a lifestyle that is simple and serene, warm and happy.” ~ Barbara Hayden, ‘Hygge: Unlock the Danish Art of Coziness and Happiness’
This winter I am taking a deeper look into the Danish concept of hygge, which is as much about finding coziness and comfort in the familiarity of friends and family as it is about learning to embrace the winter and turn the idea of darkness and cold on its head. I’m all about changing perspective as the best way to changing circumstance. Winter has always held a literal and proverbial chill – diving into hygge turns it into a season of light and warmth and joy. A candle just isn’t quite as brilliant in the summer.
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