The Danish call it hygge — a quality of cosiness and comfort that invites a feeling of contentment or wellbeing.
People have always complimented me on my knack for making a house feel like a home. My pokey apartments in Sydney, sardine-packed share houses in Byron Bay and, more recently, humble abodes with my man and pets have invited people to feel relaxed, comfortable and safe. I like to think I create that emotionally as well — through my interactions with others in teaching yoga and in life, I aspire to allow people to be themselves; whatever the weather, to come as they are.
The Danish call it hygge — a quality of cosiness and comfort that invites a feeling of contentment or wellbeing. Like a hug for the soul, they create this cosiness through warm and nourishing food, time with family or simply sitting alone by the fire. Many cultures, especially those that experience long, cold winters, embrace this sense of cosiness. The real beauty is in the accompanying philosophy — comfort comes from within, and when we’re talking about cosiness, what we are really talking about is inner contentment. The yogis call it santosha, and it’s all about cultivating inner peace.
There are many practices that we can engage in to create the best conditions for internal contentment. So, come on in. Prepare a brew, sit back, relax and let’s get cosy!
Go outside
By going outside and spending time in the natural elements (device-free), you can also spend time with yourself, sift through the contents of your psyche and find some inner stillness. And when you do come home, it feels even cosier.
Be mindful of tech
Let’s be honest, technology has become a big part of most of our lives. We all know we’d be better off with a little less screen time, but let’s minimise the guilt and strive, instead, to use technology in the most mindful way we can. Technology can beautifully enhance our sense of cosiness. Think calming tunes (I love using Insight Timer’s music function to play Binaural Beats), relaxing images (cosy YouTube videos in the background of your day) and meditations (try a Yoga Nidra on Spotify) to invite Zen vibes.
Embrace natural light
There’s nothing quite like candlelight to invite a sense of cosiness. And, by limiting your use of artificial light, you are improving the health of your pineal gland — the organ responsible for producing melatonin and ensuring you feel well rested. Try switching off the lights and enjoying a dark day or night alongside cosy, flickering flames. Or simply turn off the lights early and practise a candle meditation before bed.
Surround yourself with people who make you feel at home
A big part of the philosophy of cosiness is about spending time with family and friends. Consider what feels comfortable for you. Perhaps it’s melting into a lounge chair at a warm cafe with a group of friends, a Sunday night roast with the family or simply snuggling up with your best friend and a cup of tea.
Practise gratitude
There’s no better way to enhance your sense of santosha (inner contentment) than with a daily gratitude practice. Make a mental list in the shower or write it down at the end of the day. What are you feeling grateful for?
Jessica Humphries is a writer, yoga teacher and co-founder of Byron Magazine — an online platform that celebrates chilled, mindful living. When she’s not writing or yoga-ing, she’s pottering around the kitchen, spending time with family and friends and living life in the slow lane in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers. W: jesshumphries.com
This article was originally found in Being Magazine Issue 10
BEING Magazine is available from WellBeingShop.com.au
