From hygge to wabi sabi: six philosophies of coziness from different countries
'08.04.2021'
Source: Big Village
In the northern countries (and not only there), the so-called theories of happiness are multiplying, which are gradually going beyond the borders of Scandinavia, as well as the concept of "hygge". We tell you how they offer to enjoy life in Sweden, Norway and Japan, and learn how to live according to lagom, sisu and wabi-sabi.
Hugge
Hugge is an opportunity to enjoy the comfort of home, while the weather is raging outside.
The Danes were the first to introduce the happy and measured life to the fashion - it was their khyugge that was destined to become the loudest of such life concepts, writes Big Village. However, the main principle of this Scandinavian philosophy long before its heyday was proclaimed by Larisa Dolin: “The most important thing is the weather in the house”. Hugge’s world view is focused on the warmth of the home, close people nearby and the opportunity to enjoy it all while the weather is raging outside.
For a few basic tips to help you achieve a sense of harmony and comfort, see her bestseller Hygge. The Secret of Danish Happiness ”is given by Mike Viking, founder and director of the Danish Institute for the Study of Happiness. First of all, he recommends creating maximum comfort in the places where you spend the most time - at home and at work. To do this, combine simple and laconic furniture with atmospheric décor, such as aroma candles, a warm blanket and garlands. When harmony reigns in your kitchen, cook something delicious - it is also important to enjoy the cooking process itself. Any dish from Grandma's cookbook will do, especially if it's cinnamon and cardamom baked goods. You can eat the resulting dishes alone or with people you like.
In addition to taking care of home comfort, Mike Viking advises thinking about lifestyle, in particular starting to play sports. It doesn't matter if you limit yourself to a small morning warm-up or arrange a full-fledged workout, the main thing is to alternate lying under a blanket with physical activity. The rest of his free time, Mike recommends taking an interesting hobby: sign up for a pottery course, get balls and knitting needles from the mezzanine, or try yourself at drawing. With today's variety of ways of self-expression, the absence of a favorite activity can only be explained by laziness.
The writer also urges to adhere to the principles of simplicity in everything. This is practically the same as appreciating the moment and enjoying the little things that are happening right now - from the smile of a casual passer-by to the postcard snowfall outside the window. At the same time, it is very important not to overdo it: although hygge is based on the principles of enjoying life, Viking notes that you also need to know when to stop. For example, basking in bed until lunchtime on weekends is normal, but following your laziness's lead every day is no longer a hygge.
Lagom
Lagom suggests looking for a balance in everything - work, relationships and interior
The Swedish lagom is like sunsets on a river port: happiness in absolute simplicity and harmony. The main principle of this philosophy of coziness is moderation. He assumes that from any situation you need to take exactly as much as you need, for example, listen to your inner voice and not drink the fourth cocktail in "Forever Young" on the eve of a family holiday at your grandma's. The Swedes suggest looking for balance in everything: work, leisure, relationships, clothing and interiors. Unlike reasonable restrictions, with which Volga residents, who are accustomed to the scale and revelry, may at first have difficulties, the love of outdoor recreation makes the Swedish concept really close: fishing, the beach and walks in the mountains fit into it just perfectly.
Bringing a little lag into the house can be primarily done with the help of a ruthless inventory - the principle of moderation here manifests itself as total minimalism. Throw out all the trash, get rid of the grandmother's curtains and go to IKEA for a concise bedside table and accessories with a simple print.
Frillsuv
Freemails: only in nature you can feel truly free
Norwegian lifestyle with the difficult to pronounce name to some extent continues the principles of the lagoma, but here the relationship between man and nature comes to the fore. In the open air, according to the Norwegians, one can feel truly free and happy. And we are not even going to argue!
It is logical that adherents of freelancing often advocate environmental protection, trying to popularize a respect for nature. You can join them by giving up plastic, by hanging a birdhouse near the balcony or by organizing a family trip to the forest. At home, the easiest way to approach Norwegian philosophy is to buy indoor plants and furnish your apartment with furniture made from natural materials.
Sisu
The basic idea of sisu is overcoming difficulties at any cost.
Finnish sisu is a philosophy for those who hardly make their way through the snowdrifts to their favorite work, but do not make a tragedy out of it, but take it for granted. The main idea here is to overcome difficulties at any cost, as well as the strength and steadfastness of the spirit. As the Finns themselves say: "What needs to be done will be done no matter what." Happiness in Finnish is to always keep your nose to the wind, even if this wind is about to sweep you off your feet and carry you from Leningradskaya to Poleva.
As you might guess, minimalism is peculiar to the sisu interior. However, its adherents do not demand to get rid of all the old stuff at once. For them, things are valuable not only for their appearance and functionality, but also for their history: even a Soviet service that has gone out of fashion can decorate a house if you really love it.
Wabi Sabi
Wabi-sabi offers to appreciate what you already have
The Japanese also contributed to the philosophy of a happy life. Their wabi-sabi reminds that the beauty of things is their imperfection and exclusivity. This concept calls for simplicity and modesty: here old things in the interior are not only allowed, but also occupy the most honorable place.
It is believed that wabi-sabi is a salvation for people who are tired of the principles of consumption and constantly improve themselves and the space around. Instead, the Japanese offer more value to what you already have and enjoy the uniqueness of people and things. In other words, it is not necessary to buy a new sweater, if the old and the beloved can still be saved with the help of a thread and a needle.
Wabi-sabi has no clear rules, but simple, authentic things that are close to you should prevail at home. It's great if there are more handmade objects among the decor. Here, irregularly shaped cups, pots made of rough concrete, linen bedclothes and furniture made of coarsely treated wood fall into place.
Arbidesgled
Arbidesgled's philosophy is about genuine love for your work.
If every Monday morning you feel like a hero of the CJJ comic, then it will be difficult to understand the Danish philosophy of arbidesgled, which is a sincere love for your work. According to this worldview, one of the main keys to a happy life is the enjoyment of one’s own professional activity. It can be achieved if you follow the five basic principles of the concept. Firstly, you understand that you are doing a useful job at work, secondly, you love your colleagues, thirdly, you admire the professionalism of your boss and strive to become the same specialist as he, fourthly, you feel valued by you, and Finally, realize that work leaves you time and energy for a hobby.
Arbidesgled also assumes that you are very comfortable in the workplace, so it should be not only functional, but also cozy. Get your mug in the office, bring a small cactus and stick stickers on the monitor. Or, if you all hate it, make your space minimalistic. In a word, push off from your subjective feeling of comfort.
