TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF!
There used to be a lifestyle that was very trendy for a while; “Hygge.” Its books have been translated into Turkish, articles have been written about it, and it has become the recipe for answering the question “How to be happy?” I have greatly enjoyed making many elements of this philosophy a part of my life (even if I haven’t defined them under this title) and wanted to incorporate some of them into my life even more. Actually, our inner selves know what is good for us. Even though we come from different cultures around the world, there are recipes that make us feel good. To remember and implement them, all it takes is spending some time alone, listening to our intuitions, and putting them into practice without delay to feel good.
At the beginning of this year – unknowingly that it would be my last trip before Covid-19 – I had the opportunity to observe this way of life in Denmark. Oh, and those Danish friends of ours have certified rankings in the list of the happiest countries in the world. They must know something, I thought. Although reading about it gave me an idea, being a witness to the environments in which it is lived was quite different.
As someone who firmly believes that the story of life begins and ends in oneself, I know the value of taking care of oneself. As a child, “Take care of yourself!” was a farewell phrase that entered my life through American movies’ dubbing effect. I actually understood how true it was later. This perspective contains many meanings in terms of physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual aspects. This time, by adopting the topic in a hygge style, I’ve created my own small recipe from the elements that have added beauty to my life.
The first one is spending time in nature. Nature has perhaps become the area we forget the fastest or have difficulty allocating time to in urban life. Sometimes, even if we intend to, we find it difficult to get moving with the question, “Is there any place left to explore?” Nevertheless, finding the greenest areas possible, discovering the places that nature invites us to, and quietly passing through them says a lot about our inner selves. Being able to be truly silent during this time, even standing still, listening to the sound of nature or silence, touching the ground, a tree trunk, or leaves, reminds us of another kind of kinship and connection we already know deep inside. In fact, the essence of mindfulness practices is hidden here. Nature becomes a powerful intermediary for us to connect with our natural state.
Another one is spending social time with loved ones. Building connections, receiving support, providing support, and sharing are described in many teachings as sources that make us strong. When people are asked about their happiest moments, they often remember scenes in which they see their loved ones. While the rate of socializing with friends and families in Europe is 60%, in Denmark, this rate is 78%. It is said that the higher rate is also influenced by a better work-life balance. In the end, time spent with friends, in warm, comfortable settings, with everyone being able to have their say, meals prepared together, and long dinner tables are essential to the flow of hygge. We all know the exquisite taste of the hours we spend chatting at our own dinner tables without getting up.
Another important part of this lifestyle is maintaining the warmth of the home as the center of life. Danes claim to experience the hygge style in their homes to the extent of 71%. Designating a “corner” within the home and shaping it according to your own taste is important. You create your own sanctuary with your book, coffee, tea, blanket, candle, lamp, and so on. In fact, the smaller the area of this corner, the more you can focus and be alone with yourself.
Throughout the home, they also focus on the minimalist approach we’ve been intending to adopt more in recent years. When we are simple and plain, we get closer to ourselves. Having fewer things and more space gives us more opportunities to think, dream, and focus on ourselves. Another important element that can be associated with the concept of home is fire. For example, a few years ago, the rate of homes with fireplaces in the UK was between 3-5%, while in Denmark, this rate has reached 30%. Actually, the most important part of hygge culture is the ever-burning candles. They even say, “No candles, no hygge”; if there are no candles, there is no hygge! I have always loved the tranquility, calmness, and serenity that burning candles give me. In Native American beliefs, fire represents the element of the soul. Fire, in its purest form, might be what brings serenity and facilitates contact with our inner world. Other factors that strongly enhance the hygge understanding within the home include wooden furniture, ceramics, books, blankets, frequently looked-at photo albums, notebooks for taking personal notes, fragrant home cakes, meals, and even chocolates.
Hygge is also defined as a state of mind beyond all these visible and concrete elements. Although it was first seen in written form in Denmark in the 1800s, its origin comes from Norway. The word has meanings in its roots such as well-being, comfort, embracing, and mood. When you review the elements in the lifestyle, it actually points to all the sources that contribute to feeling good. It offers some beautiful and practical tips as one of the ways to take good care of yourself. While each culture has its own definition, the hygge manifesto offers a simple recipe for a good life. Being grateful for the beautiful moments in life, enjoying living together in dialogue and harmony, seeing what “now” holds, focusing more on “we” than “I” with the belief in equality constitute some important parts of this life manifesto.
As we try to find our own path with various teachings, it is best to find what makes us feel good beyond passing trends and take care of ourselves without wasting time. There is no meaning in waiting for the right time or delaying. In my opinion, taking care of yourself is the first step in taking care of others, adding value to life, and making a difference. So, take good care of yourself!
Source: The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking”
