The Hyggelig Journey

There was a time when belonging was not something we questioned. It existed in the quiet fabric of daily life — in the rhythm of familiar streets, in the nods exchanged with neighbours, in the unspoken understanding that we were part of something beyond ourselves. Then, without fanfare, something changed. We became preoccupied with independence, mistaking it for strength. We prized self-sufficiency but overlooked its cost. We withdrew, ever so slightly at first, until distance became the norm. Belonging was no longer assumed; it had to be curated, managed, explained. We speak now of connection, yet we skim the surface of relationships, hesitant to wade too deep. And yet, belonging has not disappeared. It lingers in the spaces between our hurried lives, waiting to be recognised. It is there in the warmth of a hand steadying another, in the kindness that expects nothing in return. It exists in the simple, human acts we too often dismiss — preparing a meal for someone else, li...

Hygge is a Danish concept that describes the feeling of comfort, cosiness, and well-being found in simple, pleasurable moments. In Brazil, it can be felt in the gentle sway of a hammock on a veranda, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the warm breeze flowing through an open window, or the lush greenery of tropical plants. More than just a lifestyle, hygge is a state of mind that fosters relaxation and emotional balance. I first encountered hygge twenty years ago when one of my best friends, Kasper Nymand , introduced me to the concept. Since then, I have understood how deeply it aligns with the principles of Chinese Medicine, particularly in relation to the balance of Shen (mind), the most subtle manifestation of Qi (vital energy). When Qi becomes scattered or stagnant due to stress, symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and mental fatigue emerge. Creating a welcoming environment and embracing moments of pleasure and rest are essential to restoring this balance and st...

I am almost certain we could say that hygge represents a hypo-egoic state of mind. The sense of comfort, contentment, and connection it fosters aligns closely with the non-entitlement perception of reality that characterises a hypo-egoic state. In hygge , the emphasis shifts away from self-importance and individual achievement towards a shared, present-moment experience—whether through simple pleasures, warm social bonds, or an appreciation of life's small joys. This surrender of ego-driven concerns in favour of collective well-being and mindful presence makes hygge not just a cultural concept but a psychological state that encourages humility, gratitude, and a deep sense of belonging.