Hygge
Preached 3/22/2020 at SouthWest UU in N. Royalton OH
By Rev. Meg Mathieson
According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark clocks in as the world’s happiest country. Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, believes that the positive state can be attributed to hoo-gah. He says, “The Danes are exceptionally good at decoupling wealth and well-being. We focus on the small things that really matter, including spending more quality time with friends and family and enjoying the good things in life.”
Hoogah is all about being in the moment, feeling completely relaxed and centered, letting go of the hectic world around you, either alone or with loved ones. Hoogah time in Scandinavia is enjoyed as a magical time of connection with the self and loved ones.
Wiking goes on to say that you know hoogah when you feel it, but that some of the key ingredients are togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence, and comfort. Hoogah is when we say: “There is no discussing politics now - now we are going to hoogah.” It is when we put aside our differences and cooperate.“The true essence of hoogah is the pursuit of everyday happiness and it’s basically like a hug, just without the physical touch.”
There is effortlessness in hoogah, which means that we can be together without having any plans besides relaxing and enjoying a good time together.
Above all, hoogah is not about making sure everything is perfect. It's about gathering together and finding fellowship in our imperfect humanity. It’s about this imperfect form of connection right now. It’s about peace and serenity and knowing that we are connected.
Wiking also says, “There is nothing fancy, expensive, or luxurious about a pair of ugly woolen hoogah socks—and that is a vital feature of hoogah. It’s about appreciating the simple pleasures in life and can be achieved on a shoestring budget.”
Plus, it’s just fun to say.” Hoogah is the art form of creating intimacy in any given moment.
In Scandanavia, Hoogah is something that happens all year round. Hoogah is about climbing under blankets in the winter, but it is also very hoogah to go for a walk in the sun, enjoying the details of nature. It’s about Just sitting outside. And appreciating how the imperfection of a tree makes it beautiful.
Appreciating the small joys in life at all times, hoogah followers have tapped into a source of happiness which the rest of the world can greatly benefit from in an ever-evolving technological society. Meik Wiking says, “Hoogah is such an important part of being Danish that it is considered "a defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA . . In other words, what freedom is to Americans. . . hoogah is to Danes” There’s that same sense of cultural identity with this concept.
Recently, I’ve been learning about what’s called Mindful Self-Compassion. Some of you may remember that I spoke about Mindful Self-Compassion in December.
Mindful self-compassion is more than simply self-care, though self-care is a part of what Mindful self-compassion is. And so is hoogah. Take the time to care for yourself, because in this way you can care more effectively for others. We are all learning this, in a very real way right now, as staying away from the virus is not only in our own best interest but is necessary for public safety. How connected we are!
Hoogah is about making small, everyday changes to your environment when you can, to provide more comfort. Is there something, anything that might make you feel more comfortable at this moment? Shift your body, add a pillow, get a cup of tea.
Preached 3/22/2020 at SouthWest UU in N. Royalton OH
By Rev. Meg Mathieson
According to the World Happiness Report, Denmark clocks in as the world’s happiest country. Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, believes that the positive state can be attributed to hoo-gah. He says, “The Danes are exceptionally good at decoupling wealth and well-being. We focus on the small things that really matter, including spending more quality time with friends and family and enjoying the good things in life.”
Hoogah is all about being in the moment, feeling completely relaxed and centered, letting go of the hectic world around you, either alone or with loved ones. Hoogah time in Scandinavia is enjoyed as a magical time of connection with the self and loved ones.
Wiking goes on to say that you know hoogah when you feel it, but that some of the key ingredients are togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence, and comfort. Hoogah is when we say: “There is no discussing politics now - now we are going to hoogah.” It is when we put aside our differences and cooperate.“The true essence of hoogah is the pursuit of everyday happiness and it’s basically like a hug, just without the physical touch.”
There is effortlessness in hoogah, which means that we can be together without having any plans besides relaxing and enjoying a good time together.
Above all, hoogah is not about making sure everything is perfect. It's about gathering together and finding fellowship in our imperfect humanity. It’s about this imperfect form of connection right now. It’s about peace and serenity and knowing that we are connected.
Wiking also says, “There is nothing fancy, expensive, or luxurious about a pair of ugly woolen hoogah socks—and that is a vital feature of hoogah. It’s about appreciating the simple pleasures in life and can be achieved on a shoestring budget.”
Plus, it’s just fun to say.” Hoogah is the art form of creating intimacy in any given moment.
In Scandanavia, Hoogah is something that happens all year round. Hoogah is about climbing under blankets in the winter, but it is also very hoogah to go for a walk in the sun, enjoying the details of nature. It’s about Just sitting outside. And appreciating how the imperfection of a tree makes it beautiful.
Appreciating the small joys in life at all times, hoogah followers have tapped into a source of happiness which the rest of the world can greatly benefit from in an ever-evolving technological society. Meik Wiking says, “Hoogah is such an important part of being Danish that it is considered "a defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA . . In other words, what freedom is to Americans. . . hoogah is to Danes” There’s that same sense of cultural identity with this concept.
Recently, I’ve been learning about what’s called Mindful Self-Compassion. Some of you may remember that I spoke about Mindful Self-Compassion in December.
Mindful self-compassion is more than simply self-care, though self-care is a part of what Mindful self-compassion is. And so is hoogah. Take the time to care for yourself, because in this way you can care more effectively for others. We are all learning this, in a very real way right now, as staying away from the virus is not only in our own best interest but is necessary for public safety. How connected we are!
Hoogah is about making small, everyday changes to your environment when you can, to provide more comfort. Is there something, anything that might make you feel more comfortable at this moment? Shift your body, add a pillow, get a cup of tea.