What is Hygge?

For the longest time I have always found an unexplainable joy in the little things. Those little moments when the universe collides and brings together sight, sound, smell, taste and touch into one magical moment that leaves you exhaling a big sigh of love and contentment. That is hygge (pronounced hue-gah). When life slows down and you are able to experience the joy, blessing and contentment of the little things that so often can be missed during the hustle and bustle of a busy life.

Hygge is derived from the Danish Culture and they are pure experts at it. It is a lifestyle and frame of mind. You need to learn how to adapt it, just like you do any lifestyle. Whether you are going gluten free or vegan, you are always aware of it and are looking for it and then it becomes easier to just do it.

For some Hygge will come naturally, for others that have lived such a hectic and busy life it may be a little more challenging. Hygge is a noun, something you share and appreciate.  It’s also a verb, something you do together.  And it has an adjective form hyggeligt (HUE-gah-lie). It also has no sense of time and you will find that during the best Hygge moments, time will literally stop and disappear.

Some people think Hygge is simply just something that is cozy, but that is not always the case. It is a mindset and way of life.

For example, growing up my mom kept a very cozy and welcoming home. She would have candy jars on every side table in the living room, always had some type of fresh baked goods and blankets were always close by. But Hygge is not found in just cozy items. My mom was an extremely high strung person and she would have the tendency to bring stress into any situation. It didn’t matter how “cozy” she kept her house, she missed the frame of mind. Hygge was not part of her life or home.

Hygge is also heavily based around relationships. Being an introvert that doesn’t like to socialize, I find Hygge most often by myself or with my husband. I do enjoy moments of Hygge with our closest friends as well. Hygge can be an intimate connection with someone, where your souls are revealed and you are welcome and vulnerable to embrace and share in the goodness of life together.
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I will be sharing more in upcoming posts about ways to incorporate it into your life during the summer and winter. Winter months tend to bring out Hygge most naturally because of Christmas. But Hygge can exist year round.