Hygge, you've certainly heard of it before. Since 2015, there has been a flurry of books, articles and commentaries on the subject. Why write yet another article? I wanted to share with you my approach to hygge, the experience I had in Sweden, as well as what hygge brings me in my daily life, especially in my creative practice.
Back to basics
A concept from Denmark, hygge is the art of creating one's own cocoon, a series of precepts aiming at a state of well-being, and in fine, happiness. In a word, hygge is being kind to oneself. In Denmark, this has been practiced for centuries and according to Meik Wiking, president of the Institute for Happiness Research in Copenhagen, hygge is one of the two main reasons why the Danes are regularly at the top of the list of the happiest people.
By the way, it is pronounced "hugeu" (phonetic[ˈhygə]) and not "houggah" as it is sometimes read. If you want to know for sure, you can listen to it here (pronounced by Danes).
Hygge, how?
Hygge is a set of practices and objects that aim to create a warm atmosphere, but it is above all a more global mentality that gives a lot of value to the small simple pleasures of life.
You can read a lot of "hygge recipes" or "the 10 rules to follow for a hygge atmosphere", but it's up to each one to find his own formula; the one that will make sense for you, given the place where you live, given your childhood memories, your tastes, etc. Hygge is based on the idea of creating a refuge - either alone or in a group - and to do so, it is highly recommended :
- create a warm and peaceful atmosphere: candles, mohair plaids, books and large soft rugs are welcome.
- to pamper yourself with gourmet pleasures: cakes, Christmas teas, hot chocolates, roasted chestnuts, that's the idea.
- to be together, in confidence: to spend time with people with whom you feel yourself, no competition, no social game, a sincere harmony.
- of carpere diem: enjoy the moment. Stop fretting about that 2:30 p.m. meeting tomorrow that you're not ready for. Put aside that discussion you had with a friend in which you weren't listening very well. Make a real effort to forget about it - compartmentalize your mind - and become aware of the texture of your soft sweater under your fingers, the golden light coming through the window, the sound of raindrops against the glass. Become aware of these pleasant sensations and give them a real place in your head, for a moment.
My own little recipe for the office
As far as I am concerned, I am a real lover of small moments. In the office, for example, when I feel tired and counterproductive, I take a little break according to a certain ritual. I start by turning off my cell phone notifications, pausing my mailbox and making myself a cup of tea. While the water is boiling, I choose my tea by smelling them in my bulk boxes, take out my beautiful glass teapot with its ceramic diffuser and light a candle.
Once my tea is ready, I huddle on the bench next to my heater, against the window of my office. I watch the people passing below in the street, the sun setting on the Sacré-Coeur. I could turn on the radio - FIP to avoid commercials - or one of my playlists - Agnès Obel, Bon Iver, Iron & Wine -, a soothing, almost tender music. With Christmas approaching, I have a strong preference for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Eartha Kitt and his"Santa Baby". I also certainly served myself a cake according to the time: a honey waffle, pure butter madeleines.
From left to right: Eartha Kitt, Kings of Convenience, Agnès Obel
On my bench, there is a plaid that I put against the heater and that is warm when I unfold it on my legs, there is a cushion that I embroidered, on which I spent a lot of time. As for my bench, I made it myself, in oak. I designed the furniture first, then chose the wood - a honey-colored oak that I love - sanded it for a softer feel, and the smell of wood filled the office for days. I get a particular pleasure from sitting on this bench when I think back to my efforts to make it, just as I imagined and designed it.
This little ritual, it is particularly hyggelig because it fulfills a great hygge rule: hygge is about the five senses. In my next article Hygge - A Matter of the Five Senses, I will talk about the importance of sensory experience in the hygge philosophy, as well as the value of time; time for contemplation, time for doing.
Until then, enjoy your own little rituals.
A beautiful and sweet day to you all,
Léa Petitjean
on the left, my bench in my Parisian studio
on the right, a typical Swedish ceramic stove, similar to the one in my old flat in Gothenburg
