I’m hoping this post inspires me as much as it stirs you. Since I miss our former window seat, as we approach winter, I have been daydreaming about the potential for another one. The prospect is more complicated than cozying up a corner with a comfy reading chair or purchasing a bench and pillows. There’s architecture, construction and upholstery where cozy nooks and seating are involved. But it’s not just a new place to read or daydream that’s calling to me. Winters here in Northern Illinois can be long and lonely. The concept of hygge provides a balm no matter how you define it. Whether we’re talkin’ breakfast nook seating, sleeping nooks, or even built-in pet perches, all of the options along with hygge are rather lovely. Hygge Winter Ideas, Banquettes, Nooks & Books hints at what dreams may come.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Hygge Winter Ideas, Banquettes & Nooks
What is HYGGE?
One of my favorite hygge descriptions is “socializing for introverts.” I sort of love that since I’m closer to introversion than extroversion on the spectrum.
Maybe it’s how I feel more fully myself in a small group where the volume is turned down, but the emphasis hygge places on presence and mindfulness resonates with me.
Think about those stretches of time where you don’t have to rehearse a long list of chores or appointments, where you choose not to worry about what will happen then but rather sink into the now.
I couldn’t always sink into the now, and for me, it is only with daily practice (meditation or contemplative prayer) that it becomes a bit easier.
Hygge’s Relationship to Intimacy
Another aspect of hygge I admire is how it quite naturally fosters intimacy.
Just think about how simply lighting a candle at dinnertime changes the focus.
Do you really feel like scrolling through your phone or flipping through television channels at a candlelit dinner?
Opportunities for intimacy shrink when we are rushing, watching the clock, and feeling pressures to be productive.
We can all do better, and I think we all long for more intimacy with friends and family. But it’s not going to simply happen without intention.
Hygge provides a sort of architecture for creating more moments ripe for intimacy. Fireplaces, pillows, flickering candlelight, soft landings, comfort food, and a soothing atmosphere invite us to slow our pace.
Beyond Cozy Factor & Hyggekrog
The Danes are experts at hygge, and many folks in Denmark have a “Hyggekrog,” which is essentially a cozy nook.
They are quite natural next to a window where connections to nature may be experienced within a safe shelter.
As far as hygge-friendly winter food and drink? If it’s healthy, nutrition-dense food, it’s probably not hygge-ish…hahahaha.
However, because of my GI and autoimmune issues, I have learned to adapt my hygge-fantasy treats so I don’t end up in the ER.
If your diet allows you to indulge in rich comforting stews, sweet desserts, and savory breads, ooh la la, how wonderful to immerse yourself fully into winter hygge wonder.
One of the obstacles to hygge-savoring that I have noticed is the tendency to eat mindlessly.
For example, if you are forever multi-tasking and not paying attention to the deliciousness you are consuming, you’re missing out on the pleasure of hygge.
Gratitude & Hygge
Perhaps more than any temporary benefit of relaxing into a hygge state of bliss is the benefit of allowing a deep sense of gratitude to settle.
We have no idea what our lives will bring tomorrow and the next day. And we never know when we are smack dab in the middle of the good stuff, the good life, the good chapter.
Slowing down to savor and seek pleasure mindfully is a radical act of freedom available to you this moment while you are alive on this orbiting sphere in outer space.
Hard working Americans struggle to feel worthy and entitled to such lavish thinking, and systems are firmly in place to encourage hustling. (Time is money…right?)
In my experience, hygge moments with their intimacy and potential to slow time, may set the right tone for experiencing divine presence.
No matter your faith or spiritual container, there are unseen realms and subtle energies nurturing us along the path. When we’re quiet enough to open our hearts, to receive blessing and help, we are changed and maybe freer than when our hearts are bound.
Finally, what I admire about hygge winter moments shared with others is how they lead to deeper connection.
I’m sorry, but when I am savoring bits of densely rich chocolate ganache icing in hygge heaven, I cannot hold on to feelings of anger or resentment toward you!
Within families, we disagree on so many topics these days and struggle for common ground. Hygge brings warmth and comfort to the equation and plugs us back into the pure, ageless, and indisputable deliciously human things.
The Little Book of Hygge
It should tell you something that the author of this book is the CEO of happiness research.
If the holidays seem to deliver less hygge moments, here’s a peaceful assemblage of gift ideas. (The gloves and seed pot thing in the lower right corner are meant to encourage cozy moments in winter dreaming of springtime gardening!)
The BillionDollar ArtGallery is a gift for art enthusiasts, and you can get a taste of PACIFIC NATURAL AT HOME right here…you’ll love cozying on down with it!
Peek at These Shelter Books for Cozy Time
Finding Home: The Houses of Pursley Dixon
Oh, this is glorious, and if you’re not familiar with the work of Pursley Dixon…
you’ll soon be swooning:
The Well-Loved House
If you are a fan of classicism and color, treat yourself to the treasure trove of THE WELL-LOVED HOUSE.
For Francophiles & Everyone Else
An American in Provence (Simon Element, 2022) by Jamie Beck engages all of the senses with its captivating commentary, authentic South of France lifestyle, and breathtaking photography.
While so many beautiful design and art books serve as pleasing companions, this one feels set apart. More of an invitation to companion with the artist.
Prepare to be DAZZLED and AWED and also GRATEFUL that an artist would share so much of her process and story unfolding in the light of the French countryside! Also, if you have yet to pick up a copy of THE FLOWERS OF PROVENCE…it’s the perfect gift, and you’ll thank me.
psst. I’ll keep you posed on my window seat scheming and dreaming!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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