looking for the inner fuzzy
/If you haven’t yet caught the Danish-inspired wave called “hygge “-- pronounced hoo-gah -- which has created a hyped up marketing fad the past few winters, it may be because you don’t know your cool and comfy from your cold and edgy.
Don’t worry, there’s still time to get your warm on.
Shaggy sweaters, soft sweats, scented candles -- this is some of the stuff marketing folks have told us we need to create the enviable state of hygge, a deep down sense in deep dark winter of being cozy and relaxed. Who doesn’t want that?
But in reality, hygge is an internal bear hug not an external bear rug adorning the floor. It’s about that difficult-to-describe-but-you-know-it-when-you-feel-it plush toy joy.
I’m not an expert. I’m cold from October through April, find shaggy sloppy, feel like Bigfoot in hairy clothes. I’ve nary a hygge bone in my body. And yet, the idea of creating that rare state of being truly content, truly chill in a good way, complete, grateful, not wanting to go anywhere else in winter sounds luxurious.
And so I think -- as I see rows of faux fur in the stores -- how do I get that more important internal smooch that cuts through the iciness around us, whether from the elements or from the crush of humanity.
A fleecy throw is one thing, a velvet inner glow another.
I will start here . . .
Laughing, smiling, lightening up; making time for myself when nothing is scheduled; staying in the present moment; joining together for dinner parties, roaring fires, good conversation where you don’t feel like going home or asking people to leave. Confiding, listening, comparing, not judging.
It’s different for each one of us perhaps. Or maybe not. Maybe what makes us universally human is how much similarity there is in these desires -- being with people we’re easy with, who stimulate us but not so it’s too much work, to feel unfettered like we have all the time in the world, to know how to take care of ourselves when we need to, to know how to be easy, flexible, satisfied, content.
To feel connected, accepted, appreciated, loved, why not adored.
Yes, hot baths and down comforters and sink-in couches and hot soup and warm crusty bread and casseroles, and a sip of brandy.
Being outside in cold, crisp nature, then running back inside and remembering how lucky we are to have heat ready, available, waiting.
Playing Scrabble, starting a puzzle, listening to music, reading epic books. Watching classic movies that lift your spirits, scary movies that make you cringe in that giggly way.
Giving, getting, baking, rolling in snow, drinking hot chocolate, toasting marshmallows in the hearth, sleeping late and not feeling guilty, hanging out in old baggy flannel pajamas.
All these can create the internal reality of hygge.
I hope. Because winter is definitely here, and if you’re like me, you need a plan to get through it without moaning and groaning.
Sure, I’ll get out the extra blankets and cuddle up. But I probably don’t need to go out and buy a new one.
The simple things that make me feel warm and fuzzy from the inside out never seem to go out of style.