Mindfulness and Hygge
Here, in the country down under, below the belly of the Earth, autumn has made its way into our lives again, colouring leaves, blowing brisk breezes and making birds and other native animals change their pattern. With this time, a wonderful concept experiences a revival and I am happy to say that this event reoccurs every year - it is hygge time!
What is hygge?
According to Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute,
“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience rather than about things. It is about being with people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling we that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down”.
— Meik Wiking
The feeling of hygge can be created through different elements, e.g. light, food, drink, nature, and more. It is a wonderful way to enrich our daily life, to cherish each moment we spend in the present, surrounded by things and people we love.
What does hygge have to do with mindfulness?
Hygge, for me, is one of the concepts that has mindfulness at its fundamental core and that deserves an extra spotlight in this regard. Like mentioned above, hygge is rather about experiences than things, even if objects can enhance the feeling of hygge. The key here is, though, to surround yourself with objects that you not only love but that create love inside of you, and that capture your attention in a way that allows you to dwell in the present moment. Hygge can be experienced in a small group of friends, but also on your own. Autumn and winter are the main hygge inspiring seasons and surely you can picture yourself wrapped up in a woollen jumper and a blanket, sitting in a chair or sunk in a couch, the knees pulled up to your chin and with a cup of tea or coffee in your hands. Perhaps, you are looking out the window or are reading a book. All of this, the feeling of safety, the warmth of the indoors in contrast to the cold clinging to the outside of your windows, that is hygge.
Being aware of this moment, feeling the wool touch your skin, being aware of the cosiness of the moment, the warmth of the cuppa warming your hands, the sip of tea entering your mouth and flowing down your throat, warming the inside of your belly, reading the book word by word and letting each of them sink in, or watching the cold outdoors, witnessing the silence, the trees, the birds, whatever it is happening out there, that is the mindfulness of the moment.
Being in that moment of hygge, embracing its protective features, breathing into the beauty of it, that is mindfulness. Being grateful of this time, the warmth that you feel and being sheltered from the cold, perhaps the wind, the rain, the storm, that is mindfulness.
You can create mindful moments every day. Notice the beauty of each object around you, and create the feel of hygge mindfully — that can bring you bliss. It is not only about the moment when you sit, knees pulled up to the chin, sipping your cup of tea or coffee. The creation of that moment has a powerful beauty, as well. It is about HOW you create that moment of hygge. The making of the cup of tea, choosing your favourite cup, waiting for the water to boil, breathe in the first aromatic scents of your drink, pushing the chair to the window, opening the book, placing the book mark next to you, all of that can happen in the present moment. Do these things with your full attention and not out of habit. Breathe into every movement that you make in the process of creating and living through the moment of hygge.
You are making a gift to yourself. Unwrap it slowly, enjoy it with the joy of a child. Be here, fully, and feel it with all your senses.
What are your experiences with hygge? How do you feel in a moment of hygge? Have you thought about the deep connection of hygge and mindfulness before? Comment below.
Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash
