Key Concept One - Atmosphere
Explored and written by Shelby Brand
Meik Wiking, among others have identified that key concepts of hygge as being Atmosphere, Presence, Pleasure, Equality, Gratitude, Harmony, Comfort, Truce, Togetherness and, finally, Shelter. By now I’m sure you are picturing a small group of close friends sharing time and tea together, or at least a crackling fire, hot chocolate and warm socks. I’m on the bandwagon to show you that hygge is much, much more. Especially here in Australia, or any other warmer climate for that matter.
Hygge is a feeling, heightened by consideration of each of the key concepts, and yes, they can overlap and blend together. After all, the individual concepts support one another and when used in unison the greater the feeling of hygge that may be reached. And I do say may because with any approach similar to this the emotional state bares a great impact.
Now let’s take a closer look at Atmosphere and how it can allude to a great sense of hygge. For some lighting a candle might be all that is achieved for hygge on a single day. We all have them, crazy busy days where we feel like we are chasing our tails from early in the morning until late at night. Candles are a great start. But what next. During summer, we have to dig deeper so here is a little more about me, and my style of hygge.
Daily dipping at a sheltered beach. Depending on the weather and water, I can be in from 5 mins to 35 minutes and beyond. I originally begun this to experience the cold shock and revitalisation, little did I realise it would end up being so much more. On random occasions my cherubs might join me, but mostly this is a solo venture. The experience sees me walk straight in on a mission, and then submersing myself up to my shoulders. I breaststroke, duck dive and float on my back all while watching the ocean move around. I return each day to the same spot, essentially, I’ve found my sit spot as suggested by The Mindful Traveller. No two days are ever the same, it’s absolutely fascinating and allows for plenty of contemplation. This is a free activity, I don’t need to purchase anything new, and it makes me feel alive. I leave only my footprints and am left with the knowledge that I have taken time for myself to complete any activity that has spoken to my soul. Plenty of my content boxes have been ticked.
I’ve spent the last couple of weekends moving around the pot plants, shelving and seating on both the front patio and the back verandah, an idea borne out of necessity and continued on with gusto. With each plant intentionally moved, I was excited as I found it’s ‘new home’. I created a private courtyard feel out the front and a relaxed, open, but extremely contented space out the back. I extended this further to incorporate the reorganisation of my side garden bed and the succulents within it. It is safe to say that gardening is a favourite summer hygge passion, sunshine, fresh air and a counteracting breeze.
I love tea, though some days, the heat is unbearable. But this is where I compromise. I keep the heat but opt for fruit or herbal instead. They are refreshing in their own right and can be chilled as well. I find these teas to be lighter on the system but still tick the box for hygge. The key to drinking tea is appreciate the ritual alongside the act of drinking the tea itself. I don’t make my tea out of afternoon necessity, I appreciate the overall experience, the act of stopping, surrounding myself with greenery, reading material or sky watching. The sensation of sighing after a hard day at work while taking that first precious mouthful. This is crossing over into Swedish Fika territory, however, my sense of hygge is heightened when participating in a Fika moment.
Watching a summer storm roll in, listening to the thunder, hoping for heavy droplets of rain and counting the seconds between lightning and the ensuing sound, and relishing in a break from the heat are all positively hygge sensations for me. It ticks an even bigger hygge box if I can fall asleep to the sound of rain on the roof. I one hundred percent realise I am in zero control of creating a summer storm, however, I am in control my reactions and responses should one occur. Up the ante and boil the kettle, make a cuppa and take a seat out on the veranda to experience the beauty.
Atmosphere is more than what we see, aim to create a 3d experience of hygge through using music. Find a genre that when you press play, your heart smiles and sends a warm hug across your soul. For me, I first discovered this sensation when I stumbled across the magical soothing sounds of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. I thank firstly the movie Sleepless in Seattle when I went in search of Jimmy Durante’s As Time Goes By and then Spotify greatly for leading me toward Ella and Louis. If only I could drink red wine (I’d settle for non-alcoholic even) if I could just avoid the headaches, I picture a glass in hand, gently swaying to the sounds while stirring a homecooked soup. The beauty of music is your hygge vibe changes. Just be sure to listen to what your soul is asking for rather than your brain.
Light and bright or dark and moody, there are no rules here. It is how you embrace lighting and what you feel drawn to. The seasons will impact some here, traditionally I am open, airy, light and bright in summer. I feel it freshens the home up and makes me calmer than being in a too dark of an environment. But!!! I prefer natural lighting over fluorescent, so I’d prefer a darker environment ahead of turning on a light. I stumbled across a gorgeous ceramic candle holder made to resemble the old school holders you picture from the olden days when Little Women carried candles upstairs. This is extremely hygge for me to journal at night by.
In short, the environment in which you surround yourself with adds and detracts from your overall sensation of hygge. Incorporate mindfulness when exploring hygge and you will be on the right track.
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