The word hygge is from Danish origin. So how do we connect hygge with Amish? Well, hygge is not just a word. It is a concept and a way of life. It is pronounced ‘hue-guh’ and it refers to a quality of coziness and comfort that causes a feeling of contentment or well-being.
Amish culture is not derived from Danish culture. But Danes do embrace certain lifestyle practices that embodies the art of hygge. And it is quite easy to see that the Amish culture is filled with the art of hygge as well. The Amish are masters of making their lives hygge without trying or being Danish. So here are some Amish lifestyle inspiration for making your own life hygge too.
Have Quality Time With Friends And Family
This is when you cause time to stop! Not literally… We cannot stop time, but we sure can make someone feel like they do not want the time between you and them to end. The time to bond and have “one-on-one” moments with a family member or friend. Whether sitting and talking, walking and talking on a nice cozy evening, lying down on the floor and steering at the ceiling, or lying down on the outside and staring up at the stars. You may refer to this as quality time. In times to come, we look back and call it the “good old days.”
Eat Nice Food
Eating healthy is encouraged. And also…. Ehem… eating like the Amish is also suggested.
Bake a treat and have fun sharing it with neighbors and friends. An example of this is the Amish Friendship Bread. You do not have to do the same thing they do, but create fun memories around eating and sharing nice food, so you will have treasured memories to keep.
Spend Time Away From Technology
Technology has its benefits, but we have to know how to put it in its place and not let it control everything that we do. If we are not careful, it will consume us to the point of not having control of our very own lives. By spending some time away from technology we “put it in its place” so to speak. It is good to have a balance of having internet time and some time for unplugging.
Embrace a Slower Pace Of Life
Have you ever wondered why most people like to study the Amish so much? It is because they choose to live such a simple life. And when we look closely at life, we will realize that life really is simple. It is what we make of it. They show how dynamic life can truly be by not doing or living as everyone else does. The result of what they do cause them to be better able to manage themselves than most who are not Amish. The more we live fast paced, the more stress and worry we take on as the news networks and social media throw us the latest trends and tragedy for consumption. The more tragic things are it seems the easier to share. Do things more slowly. Take your time in your garden, make time for smelling the roses and do some walking when you can.
Send Snail Mail
A letter from a friend can make the heart grow fonder. As old fashioned as this may seem, it may do a whole lot more for someone special than an electronic mail. That hard copy with words from you in the hands of your loved one is worth more than you may be able to imagine. Send a snail mail and let them have some words from you to hold in their hands.
Set the right Ambience
You want them to say – all this? For me?
An you just answer with the brightest smile and say – oh yes.
By the way… You deserve to be in a beautiful place too.
Set the tone of your surroundings so that it matches with the feeling that you want others and yourself to have. That “good” feeling may seep into the hearts and souls of those around you. One major aspect of a story is the setting. Your life is your story. So create a beautiful setting for it. Decorate with plants, wreaths and the perfect lighting. Candles warm the heart. So be sure to stock up and some, and use essential oils to make your home smell wonderful.
Gather For Fun Times With Family and friends Regularly
It is very important to gather with our loved ones. It helps you to get to know each other much more and create a stronger bond. So have parties and celebrations when possible and keep that stream of life flowing in your relationships.
Take Time With Yourself
Time with self to reflect, think and figure out life and it’s many challenges is really empowering and can make you feel happy. Have you ever wanted to find out the answer to something and the answer never came until you were somewhere by yourself reflecting? We all need to connect with our inner self. This fast pace world, consisting of social media, television, cellphones, our husbands, wives, children, pets, friends and family can sometimes take up so much of our time that we forget about ourselves. If we do not take control of this situation, soon enough we will become non effective and without purpose to the very same people we love so dearly. Take time to build that person within you and clear your mind of most of the clutter that the outside existing factors bring to us.
Take Up A meaningful Hobbie
Living simple like the Amish does not mean that it should be boring with you having nothing to do but chores at home. Lots of fun and pleasure can be found in gardening, quilting, baking and so on. Which ever lets your creative spirit come alive – do it with as much passion as you can muster. You will find so much more fulfillment out of life itself when you apply passion to the daily activities you undertake. Writing is also a wonderful hobby. It is a great way to express yourself. It could be in the form of a journal, blog, creative writing or writing books. It may be the same pieces written today that become inspiration for you of your children tomorrow.
Embrace Activities that Makes You Feel Good About Yourself
These activities can include reading at a particular time of the day such as when the children are off to school, when the children are off to bed or just before they are up and out of bed in the mornings. Make a habit out of taking a walk around your neighbourhood in the mornings. Or even in the evenings when you soak up all the light and coziness coming from your neighbours windows.
The Danish are said to be the one of the happiest group of people in the world, as they do not expect too much from life. The Amish are the same. They do not make a practice of setting unnecessary goals and they enjoy the little things which are really the big things.