16 July – Hygge!

It’s fascinating what makes people happy. I read an article this week that talked about a particular country being rated as having the happiest people in the world.

Everyone I think can learn something from the happiest country in the world. It’s a place where the sun shines fewer than seven hours during the height of the winter solstice, which no doubt can stir depressive feelings. In the midst of this, the concept of a cozy scene, full of love and enjoyment, seems to be the antidote to help people dispel feelings of sadness and dreariness.

Here’s how this country, rated with the happiest people turn lemons into spiced mulled wine: Ever heard of the concept of hygge? Hygge is often considered the major weapon in combatting the dreary darkness that befalls countries over the winter. Hygge (pronounced ‘hooga’) translates into English as ‘cosiness’. The term comes from a Norwegian word meaning “wellbeing” In essence it means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with friends and family. The warm glow of candlelight or my personal favourite – fairy lights is hygge.

“Hygge could be families and friends getting together for a meal, with the lighting dimmed. There’s nothing more hygge than sitting round a table, discussing the big and small things in life.

Or it could be time spent on your own reading a good book. “It works best when there’s not too large an empty space (or as my oldest daughter would say – “it’s when you snuggle”) around the person or people.” The idea is to relax and feel as at-home as possible, forgetting life’s worries.

Eating home-made cinnamon pastries. Yum! Watching TV under a doona. Tea served in your best china. Family get-togethers at Christmas. They’re all hygge (cosiness) too.

We can still enjoy this cosy, warm atmosphere during the warmer months too. Picnics in the park, barbeques with friends, out door concerts, street festivals and bike rides can all be hygge,

It’s all about generating and being purposeful about enjoying and making special our social connections and occasions. It’s also about being kind to yourself and others. It is essentially expressing Love; and so I think Jesus himself loves the idea of Hygge. – cosiness.

All through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) we see Jesus sharing meals together with others. We see Him feeding everyone at a picnic, of telling stories and doing life with others. He embraced and loved every single person He who came to Him, and desired them to know Him and be part of His “family”. Sounds pretty Hygge to me.

Jesus said it this way, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Today why not embrace the concept of “Hygge”. Get cosy, and adopt  Jesus’ way of love and doing life. Give yourself a hug, eat something yummy, spoil and be kind to yourself, and then be kind to someone else too.