Authentic living

The esoteric nature of much that constitutes a state of being could make the practical application of Hygge very challenging. Fortunately, the seven principles of Hygge provide a clear and helpful framework for anyone wishing to live a truly hyggelig life. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these principles have a strong relationship to each other which means that by adopting any one of them you will naturally make progress with the others.

Reflecting on some examples of that interconnectivity, I think about how the warm, secure feeling of a hygge moment can be achieved equally well by snuggling under a soft blanket with a cup of coco on your own or enjoying that cup of coco with a close friend. This, in turn, links to the importance of togetherness and being hyggelig with others and of course quality time is very much connected to being fully present in the moment. Being fully present then affords you the purity of focus to appreciate life’s simple pleasures – being aware of how the coffee cup you’re holding is warming your hands or how cosy and nurturing the candlelight makes the room feel. It’s a key factor in embracing wholeheartedness. To really live a hygge life you need to be “all in”. This is what will ensure any given moment or experience creates a deep and authentic feeling of enjoyment, contentment and fulfilment.

Authentic living is key to hygge practice. This, like everything else, is totally intertwined with all the other aspects of hygge. To be authentic you need to be mindful and ‘present’ which allow to be aware and sensing and therefore grateful. Being grateful is essential to living a full and fulfilling life and, if you understand what makes your life fulfilling, this enables you to live authentically.

For me, a really important part of authentic living is the hygge notion that you need to accept you “are enough” and that contentment and fulfilment do not come from the conspicuous consumption of material goods or indeed other external status symbols.

This links to another concept I think is key and that is (as I tend to describe it), the idea of “decluttering rather than denuding” your environment. As previously discussed, it isn’t the hygge way to live in a careless or chaotic environment but nor is it hygge to live in a sterile environment surrounded by artefacts that you have no connection with and, as such, perform a function but don’t give you any joy or comfort. Surrounding yourself with things that have a story attached to them, that you love and that have meaning for you will create a space that you never tire of and where you will feel safe, calm and content. I live by the mantra “wait and curate” which I use to remind myself that it pays to be patient and fill my home only with things that engage my heart as well as my head.

Simplicity, authenticity, comfort and balance, to name but a few of the characteristics of hygge, can also be found outdoors. Nature is filled with balance, harmony and beauty and it has the ability to slow you down and fill you with wonder. Time in nature will always make you grateful to be alive!

Practicing gratitude is key and things like keeping a gratitude journal or manifesting your gratitude every morning over your cup of coffee are just a couple of ways to support that practice. Being grateful for life’s challenges and the learnings they bring is really valuable too. I love Meik Wiking’s comment that this “might be as good as it gets”. That is so true and we should definitely be glad for every moment and the experiences and people that fill