Reconnections

Hygge…In June?

cbaker11 Healthy Living, Reconnections , , 0 Comment

It’s been an end to a disappointing spring season.

If you’re from the New England region, specifically Maine, you can agree that this past spring wasn’t so stellar.  In Portland (on the first official day of summer) the high was 77° in the morning , but then abruptly dropped to the low 60’s.  I wore a sweater all day.

Maybe that’s why my thoughts have wandered to hygge.

Our energy-efficient wood stove provides hygge in the winter.

You know, hygge (pronounced “HOO-gah”).  It’s a Scandinavian concept that has been sweeping Pintrest, Instagram, and Twitter (420 tweets on the topic so far today).  As ConsciousWorks puts it, “Hygge is a feeling closely tied to being relaxed, happy, content and at peace with oneself.  It is the absence of all pretense and worry.”  Usually it is associated with a feeling of coziness and warmth.

Hygge concepts can help us sustain long winters.  Supposedly it is the secret to the health benefits and well-being for peoples of Scandanavian countries.

A neighborhood bonfire adds some hygge this spring.

The Paleo lifestyle and hygge have a lot in common.

Ok, well minus the cocoa and cookies prominent in hygge posts, both schools of thought focus on people reconnecting to the basics, which in turn, promotes happiness.  As you know, it seems that in our modern world we are losing the most fundamental connections.  So switch off those electric lights, set up the candles, invite some friends over for some comforting (yet healthy) food, and light the fire.

Well, it might be a little warm to start a fire…

Our patio offers some summer hygge.

Right-maybe it’s not that cold out,  but the concept of hygge applies to the summer too.  In a couple of weeks, I think all of the members of the ENG 304 class should indulge in some hygge practices.  This is how you can start:

  • Plant some colorful flowers
  • Go on a picnic
  • Eat on the patio (turn on the string lights)
  • Invite friends over for a bonfire-options for entertainment abound

    • start a ukalele led sing-along
    • stargaze
    • make s’mores
    • have a read aloud session (our family usually breaks out The Princess Bride)

Hygge may not be for everyone; there are skeptics.

Olivia Petter, British lifestyle writer, warns people not to be caught up in a trend like hygge.  She states that people should observe at the happiest individuals they know and try to understand why they are so content, versus following a set of rules.  Laura Byager, a journalist for Mashable, brings up the point that the popularity of hygge is marring the concept, making it a target of commercialism.   

In my opinion, if the concept of hygge gets us thinking about slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life, then I’m all for it.  I’m not buying extra candles and blankets; I’m just thinking about how I could make our daily experiences more enjoyable.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think hygge is an overrated fad?

Have you ever tried any hygge practices, or are you already employing them?  I’d like to know-post your reply below.

 

 

 

National Garden Meditation Day-Yes…It Is a Real Holiday…

cbaker11 Healthy Living, Organic farming, Reconnections , 0 Comment

Earlier this month I noticed that it was National Garden Meditation Day…

Okay, I know what you are thinking- is this one of those silly insignificant holidays, such as National Tater Tot Day?  Absolutely not; this day is definitely one holiday we should pay attention to!

National Garden Meditation Day’s concept is that spending time in a garden has significant stress reduction and health benefits.  However on May 3rd, in Maine, hanging out in a lush green garden was only wishful thinking.  Spring had not yet sprung.

Therefore, on this glorious Memorial Day weekend, I’m earmarking some time away from this blog assignment to work and breathe in our family’s organic vegetable garden.  I figure that belated reverence to the holiday is better than letting it slip by unnoticed.

Even if I don’t have time to start weeding, I’ll take a walk around the yard and observe the growth progress of all the plants.

I will be honest though…I suppose the “lush green garden” idea is still wishful thinking.  As you can see, our garden doesn’t look like much.  The weather hasn’t cooperated, as it is still too cold to put our tomato and pepper seedlings in.  But I won’t let that stop me.  I am still going to make the most of it.

 

In the technological world we live in, society’s important connection with the physical earth is easily forgotten.  We ignore our circadian rhythms.  Who hasn’t been binge watching Netflix or catching up on  GOT?   We can’t escape work without ogling our laptop screens like zombies  for at least 7 hours a day.  Or mindlessly soaking in blue light as we stare at our cell phones?   Does this look familiar?

 

Image result for digital zombies

One of the best ways to balance our awful habits is to unplug all devices and step outside.

Take some time working or just exploring in a garden, preferably barefoot.  A few years ago, I would never have been caught without boots in the garden, but over time my opinion has changed.  There is something powerful about the sensation of the soil linking you to the energy of the earth.  It reminds us to take a deep breath and enjoy being part of nature.  I challenge you to try it!

 

Don’t have a garden you say?  No problem!

Here are a few ways that you can enjoy the same effect:

  • Create your own garden by planting some flowers or seedlings outside in pots or raised beds.
  • Walk barefoot on your lawn, breathe deeply, and reflect on your natural surroundings.
  • Check out a community garden near you!

 

As a busy individual of the UNE community, do you connect with the earth by gardening or interacting with nature?

Post a quick note to let others know how you would celebrate National Garden Meditation Day!

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