Before we got to the speechifying portion of the program we had lunch, and then the Rotarians took care of business. A member shared new words for the day. I was astonished when she presented the word, “hygge.” I knew to pronounce it; (hoo-ga). I blurted out the pronunciation and our presenter seemed slightly surprised. She asked, “Are you Danish?” I’m not. I am of Norwegian descent — I knew the Danes appropriated this word from Norwegian.
That knowledge came to me recently from reading “The Little Book of Hygge — Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wiking. The citizens of Denmark are often ranked among the most contented people in Europe. Hygge seems to be one of the reasons for that. You are surely wondering, what is “hygge?”
Meik Wiking, the fellow who wrote this book, is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. In his introduction he explains that “hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling at home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are guarded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down.”
He enumerates key components in creating an atmosphere of contentment in his “Hygge Manifesto.” Here is his list:
1. Atmosphere: turn down the lights.
2. Presence: be here now — turn off the phones.
3. Pleasure: coffee, chocolate, cookies, cakes, candy — gimme! gimme! gimme!
4. Equality: "we" over "me" — share the tasks and the airtime.
5. Gratitude: take it in — this might be as good as it gets.
6. Harmony: it's not a competition — we already like you — there is no need to brag about your achievements.
7. Comfort: get comfy — take a break; it's all about relaxation.
8. Truce: no drama — let's discuss politics another day.
9. Togetherness: build relationships and narratives — "do you remember the time we…"
10. Shelter: this is your tribe — this is a place of peace and security.
Is this concept of “hygge” beginning to sink in? It sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Many of us are already embracing some aspects of this intuitively. When you curl up in your comforter with a good book, a hot cuppa tea and a warm fire in the grate, you are already practicing it. This book will help you to expand your embrace of contentedness.
It is a guide to the food, the drink, the clothing, and the decor which exemplifies “hygge.” And it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. The book concludes with the five dimensions of “hygge” and a final essay about the relation of “hygge” to happiness. Take it from the Danes. Don’t worry. Be happy!
About the Author