Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is a Danish word capturing the idea of a feeling or mood that occurs when taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every-day-moments more meaningful or special.  According to Hygge House: 

“Whether it’s making coffee a verb by creating a ritual of making it then lingering over a cup to a cosy evening in with friends, to the simple act of lighting a candle with every meal. Hygge is being aware of a good moment whether it’s simple or special.

Some refer to hygge as an “art of creating intimacy” (either with yourself, friends and your home). While there’s no one English word to describe hygge, several can be used interchangeably to describe the idea of hygge such as cosiness, charm, happiness, contentedness, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness.”

Here’s the thing. While the Danes may have created hygge because they were trying to survive the cold, dark, sameness of days and months inside away from the cold, I don’t think they have a corner on the concept.  For example, I remember the day in this photo so well.  Playing golf in Colorado, in August, with my best friend, was an extraordinarily good time.  Being outside, involved in my favorite sport, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation with “nature-girl”, was exquisite.

This morning I awoke to clouds and fog and drizzle, but I spent my time basking in the quite of my office while I drank coffee.  It was beautiful.  And, I like this word “hygge,” because it captures the idea of choice.  So many people are consumed with having to be entertained, seeking thrills, or otherwise having some outside stimulus  bring meaning to their lives.  The choice we all have, every single day, is to be self-aware, environment-aware, and others-aware, and see thousands of opportunity to make simple moments meaningful or special.

It could be as simple as walking right up to your best friend, and saying, “You are my best friend. You make my life special just by knowing you!” Try it, you might like it. Find the contentment, security, comfort and kinship, that simple words and actions bring when you live to enrich someone else’s life besides your own.