Life is a sequence of moments. Some bring pleasure, some bring pain, but most lay somewhere in between. The goal in life is to have the majority of moments sit on the side of pleasure. These are my words, not those of Meik. However, in this wonderful little read Meik lays out in very simple terms how we can tip that balance in favor of the side bringing gratification. In Denmark they have a term, hygge, that I don’t believe we have a match for. It is a word describing a state of being that tips moments onto the happy side of life. Coziness captures an element of it, as do many other words, but each only pertains to an element of hygge. As I read the book I constantly noted the many elements of hygge in my life, for which I am grateful. Still I discovered many things hygge that while I appreciate their value, I don’t really invite them into my daily living. So, I’m committing myself to take on one little piece at a time to see if I can make my wonderful life even more hyggelig if I can. Maybe I’ll start with more candles. Join the happiest people on the planet, the Danes, and embrace hygge.
–Brad Smith, Paulina Springs Books, Sisters, OR
Even though we may associate hygge with cozying up during the winter months, this sweet book makes a great graduation gift or wedding gift, as well as a lovely hammock read. Find more hygge at Paulina Springs Books or another independent bookstore.