The Write Spot Blog by Marlene Cullen

Tag: Hygge

  • Create a Hygge Calendar or List

    Photo and heart, by Susan Lawrence

    We hear a lot about being grateful, giving thanks, gratitude lists, and silver linings.

    But what if you just aren’t feeling it?

    How about creating a hygge calendar? I read about this in a Facebook group.

    Make a list of things to be mindful about, a way to help get out of the doldrums and into a feeling of calm, care, and positivity.

    Pay attention to one item each day.

    Personalize your calendar and use it as advent calendar, or as a way of looking at old things in a new way.

    Hygge: A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being, regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture.

    Hygge Advent Calendar ideas, or a list of how to create a feeling of coziness:

    1. Light a candle during meals.

    2. Chalk a friendly greeting on a sidewalk.

    3. Share an uplifting poem or a story with friends.

    4. Bundle up and sit outside in the evening with twinkle lights.

    5. Read children’s books about Christmas and winter.

    6. Drive around and look at Christmas lights

    7. Hold or look at an item that belonged to a beloved family member, or a beloved friend.

    8. Phone a family member or a friend, just to say hello. Talk about a fun or memorable event you shared.

    9. Make something, it could be a baked item or a craft item.

    10. Sit outside for ten minutes and look at trees.

    11. Write a thank you note or a note just to say “Hi, I’m thinking about you.” Mail it!

    12. Boil cinnamon and orange peels to make the house smell good.

    13. Turn off all lights except for a candle or two (recommend battery operated). Get comfy under a warm blanket. Sit with the quiet.

    14. Look at family photos.

    15. Send a donation or donate your time to helping others.

    16. Make a nest of pillows and read a familiar and cozy book.

    17. Stand at a window and gaze at the view.

    18. Donate money or food to a food bank.

    19. Make paper snowflakes.

    20. Spend some time with a neighborhood pet.

    21. Take a few, deep, nourishing breaths. Breathe in. Breathe out.

    22. Soak feet in mineral salts while listening to music.

    23. Zoom into GROOVE dance with Diane Dupuis, Yoga with Adrienne, Feldenkrais, Insight Timer meditation.

    24. Write, using prompts from The Write Spot Blog.

    Thank you, Susan Lawrence, a speech therapist, in Los Angeles for this inspiration. Susan created her Hygge advent calendar by making a heart shaped wall hanging with pieces of gold paper, each one has a cozy activity written on it and placed in the pockets randomly.

  • I’ll say a little prayer for you . . . Prompt #574

    Today’s prompt is inspired by Mavis Staples and her essay on The Isolation Journals.

    Mavis wrote:

    Many times in my life, I’ve come across someone who won’t smile, who won’t speak to me. I’ll get on an elevator and say “good morning,” and that person won’t say anything in return. My sister Yvonne—she’s different from me. When people are rude or unfriendly, Yvonne’ll tell them, “I didn’t do anything to you! Whatever is on your mind, don’t take it out on me.” But I’m wired differently. I keep a smile on my face, and I say to myself, “Alright. I’ll say a little prayer for you.”

    And I’ll say a prayer that whatever they’re struggling with, they’ll get through. That whatever is heavy, whatever is burdening them, they’ll find a way to lighten that load. That they’ll realize, even in the middle of great struggle, there are things to be thankful for. 

    This is especially true in hard times like these. When things are difficult, when troubles seem overwhelming, it’s helpful to look back and consider all you’ve gotten through and how far you’ve come. It’s important to remember your blessings, starting with the fact that you woke up this morning. The sun rose again, and you did too—and here you are, breathing, above the concrete.

    And just acknowledging that simple fact as a blessing—that can make you feel better.

    Writing Prompt:

    Write about your blessings. About what it was like to wake up today, about the people you love, about the songs that have lifted your spirits.

    Write about the wind in the trees, or rebirth in spring, or of freedom.

    Write about whatever gives you hygge.

    Hygge: a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

  • Hygge . . . Prompt #569

    Hygge: “A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being, regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture.”

    I bought some pasture-raised eggs the other day and was intrigued by the little information sheet tucked inside the egg carton:

    Naturally Hygge Hens

    “Without ever stockpiling cuddly blankets or chunky candles our hens instinctively practice the Danish art of hygee all winter long. Their pasture-raised lifestyle means crisp days spent together enjoying the simple things – tasty grasses, crunchy critters and warm sunshine. As evening falls, they rest in the safety and comfort of the barn. Days with friends and cozy nights with not a screen in sight!” (Vital Farms)

    Since then, I learned there is a Hygge Facebook page.

    The following is excerpted from the February 2017 issue of Charlotte at Home.

    How to achieve hygge at home

    Because simply defining the term with words like “coziness” and “togetherness” does not do hygge justice, it is up to you and how you interpret the pleasantness of good company in an inviting atmosphere. Hygge is a sense of intimacy created in any space at any moment. It makes guests feel welcome and warm. Since Scandinavian winters are known to be bleak, the concept of creating comfortable retreats became paramount to the Danish people and their happiness. Some quintessentially hygge elements are below.

    Texture

    Soft, fur blankets and luscious rugs. Knits and plush items are musts for an inevitably warm, welcoming atmosphere.

    Candles

    Speaking of warmth, there’s nothing quite like a flickering flame to make a place feel like home.

    Note from Marlene: I use battery operated candles that flicker like real candles. I am nervous about real candles due to a house fire caused by a candle (years ago, but still nervous).

    Enjoy the Simple Things

    Delving more into the term’s definition as it relates to “moments” and “feelings,” the act of enjoying the simple things in life is supremely hygge. Take a moment to truly enjoy your morning coffee. Treat yourself to an indulgent bubble bath. Venture outdoors for a long walk with nature. Creating a hygge lifestyle encompasses a variety of areas beyond home design, just as your home’s design can completely improve the way you live.

    Phone Friends

    Gathering with people is another important aspect of this Danish concept. Invite friends over for a weekend lunch, and create an atmosphere that allows for visitors. Simple changes such as ensuring there are enough chairs around a table make a big difference. To hygge with friends is also a way to bond and uplift others as you connect over wholesome food and feel-good drinks.

     Note from Marlene: Zoom works, too, Invite friends to a Zoom party, or a singalong with Diane Dupuis.

    Take Time

    Life is fast, and hygge reminds you that it doesn’t always have to be so fleeting. Slow down. Enjoy the moment. Take the time to indulge in the time you’re given, and be present.

    Note from Marlene: Be present. Re-consider multi-tasking . . . rather, consider being mindful and focusing on one thing at a time.

    Writing Prompt: What is your hygge?

    Or: What can you do to create hygge?