The start of week three in Denmark wasn’t as gracious to me as the first two but despite the slight challenge that has presented itself , I’d like to think I’m still thriving. Over the course of the weekend, my phone dropped, completely destroying the LCD display, and rendering her (yes, my phone) out of commission for the time being. While I wait to find a phone replacement or repair establishment, I have had a bit more time to be in the present and figure out new lenses to look at my new home and understand it better.
A facet of Danish life that I really enjoy is called hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). There is no direct translation in English but the best explanation is a feeling of “coziness”or a state of being comfortable. It speaks to a core value of Danish culture creating a good vibe ad taking it wherever you go. Hygge isn’t just one type of relaxation, it’s a curation of all the things and people that make you feel safe & warm. Everyone can have I/ do it so everyone does!
Hygge is a parent biking with their child down the street to spend time with them; it’s doing work in your favorite cafe with friends and warm beverages; it’s the Danish pastries my core course professors bring with tea and coffee to every class we’ve had so far. It’s the vegetarian and gluten free dinners my Residential Community shares every Monday. Everyone regardless of dietary restrictions can eat together, and get to know each other. Based on class schedule we are assigned a role of chef, prep, or clean up with people on different floors working to execute a recipe. Once the meal has been prepared, floor mates join us for dinner. Knowing that I have a place to go back to, where I can share meals with my neighbours and classmates is a constant reminder to me that I am living in Denmark and really enjoying it.
Hygge makes the darkness of winter in Denmark feel so much lighter. There are obviously things to stress about like time management, assignments, finding a balance and tempo that allows you to be efficient and effective, but with hygge in the conversation I can see why Danes are voted some of the happiest people in the world.
From the Bronx to the World 