Hygge (pronounced ‘hooga’) translates into English as ‘cosiness’. The term comes from a Norwegian word meaning “well being” In essence, it means creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life. The warm glow of candlelight, or my personal favourite – fairy lights, is an example of Hygge.
“Hygge could be enjoying a meal with the lights dimmed or time spent on reading a good book, playing or listening to music, a movie at home snuggled up or enjoying a hobby. The idea is to relax and feel as at home as possible, forgetting life’s worries. Hygge works best when there’s not too large a space around the person or people.”
Eating homemade cinnamon pastries. Yum! Watching TV or a movie under a doona, tea served in your best china, or favourite coffee in a mug, family/friends get-togethers; they’re all Hygge (cosiness) too.
I think practising Hygge is very important for our mental health, helping us gain perspective and giving our hearts and minds a breather. It’s all about being creative and finding ways to bring cosiness and connection when it may not be easy or even obvious how. It’s a way to stay connected and in touch with what makes you feel cozy and be purposeful about enjoying and making special our connections and occasions, even in extenuating circumstances.
To be kind to ourselves and others and 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 with others. We see Him feeding everyone at a picnic, telling stories and doing life with others. He embraced and loved every person 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”. Adopt Jesus’ way of love and doing life. Give yourself a hug, eat something yummy, take a break and spoil and be generous to yourself, and then be kind to someone else too.
Prayer: Lord, I may feel disconnected right now from others, but I am never disconnected from you. Would you please show me some creative ways to bring some hygge into mine and others world today? In Jesus name Amen.
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