We are fortunate to live in an age of excess.
It is, therefore, our responsibility to make some lifestyle changes, take care of the world and protect it for the sake of its future inhabitants so that they, too, will continue to enjoy its pleasures.
Every culture has some prevalent lifestyle concepts. A few of these concepts from around the world have been trending in the media of late.
Here I have compiled a list of the ones which do make a difference to the quality of our own lives and those of others.
Hygge
Origin: Norway/Denmark
Meaning:
Pronounced as 'hue-guh', it has no synonyms in English.
The mood or feeling of warmth and cosiness can come close to explaining it.
The mood or feeling of warmth and cosiness can come close to explaining it.
For example, slowly relishing a cup of hot coffee on a winter evening either alone or in the company of good friends or family is hygge.
How to practise:
Understand the importance of simplicity of life, take time to unwind and slow down the pace of life.
Create space and time to do nothing but enjoy the little things either alone or with family and friends.
Lagom
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| Two sisters cuddle up in the 'cosiest red blanket in the world'. |
Lagom
Origin: Sweden
Meaning:
Enough, sufficient, adequate, just right
It is also translated as "in moderation", "in balance", "perfect-simple", and "suitable".
How to practise:
Be modest and avoid extremes.
Consider less as more.
Create a wardrobe of only essential clothes.
Danshari
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| Front door of a house in a small town in India |
Danshari
Origin: Japan
Meaning
The art of decluttering.
The term is composed from three ideograms - “refuse”, “dispose” and “separate”. In other words, “cleaning” or “tidying up”.
How to practise:
Get rid of things that you don’t need.
Focus on what
you will gain – space, freedom and energy. The goal is to be happy with yourself.
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| A child deciding which sock to keep and which one to give away |
Minimalism
Origin: USA
Meaning:
Refers to anything that is spare or stripped to its essentials.
Initially applied to visual arts and architecture, literature and music, it has moved on to become a lifestyle trend.
How to practise:
Intentionally try to live with only the things you need.
Let go of the obsession to possess material things.
 |
| Natural art - the beauty of austerity |
Meraki
Origin: Greece
Meaning:
To do something with passion,
with absolute devotion, with undivided attention.
How to practise
Do simple tasks, such as cooking a meal, with all your effort, with enthusiasm, with eagerness, and with love.
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| Little treats laid out with love |
Mindfulness
Origin:India ('Sati' from ancient Pali language)
Meaning:
Awareness
How to practise:
Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment - and accepting it without judgment.
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| Feeling the moment |
