Cultural Teachings on Slow Living

1. A slow approach to everyday life.
2. Mindfulness, or being present and aware of your surroundings, as opposed to mindless routine.
3. A connection to community.
4. A commitment to purpose.
5. Knowing that faster isn’t always better.
6. Consuming less.

Fika - The Swedish Way

But first, fika.

 

(n.) a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life. Or simply, a ritual of sharing tea, coffee ad cake with your friends and colleagues.

The big difference between fika in Sweden and coffee breaks elsewhere, is the intent behind the whole thing. A rushed coffee break tries to “trick” the body into carrying on and working harder. Fika is about genuinely slowing down, getting back in touch with your body and the people around you, and recharging on a deeper level.

Hygge - The Danish-Norwegian Way

Hygge moments are the small everyday moments that make you happy. The best of them are bright and shining like stars. Having a word for them makes you aware that they are right infront of your eyes. Ready for you to collect.

[hue-gah] an atmosphere of warmth, well-being and cosiness, when you feel at peace and able to enjoy simple pleasures and being in the moment. Candles, fireplaces, throw blankets, homemade sweets, comfort foods and hot drinks - in short, all things feel good are what make up hygge.

This national obsession with all things cozy is credited as one of the reasons why Denmark is always at the top of the list of the world's happiest countries, despite their infamously miserable winters.

Ikigai - The Japanese Way

Our ikigai is different, but we all have one thing in common - we are all searching for meaning.

In Japan, millions of people have ikigai (pronounced Ick-ee-guy)— a reason to jump out of bed each morning. Ikigai is seen as the convergence of four primary elements:

1. What you love (your passion)
2. What the world needs (your mission)
3. What you are good at (your vocation)
4. What you can get paid for (your profession)

Discovering your own ikigai is said to bring fulfilment, happiness and make you live longer.

Lagom - The Swedish Way

Not too little. Not too much.

Lagom (pronounced law-gohm) is the Swedish word used to describe an amount or a state which is ‘just right’. It’s an amount so perfect that it creates a sense of harmony and serenity. Lagom resides right in the middle of deprivation and overindulgence. It does make sense.

When you pause to appreciate what you have, good often becomes good enough. And good enough becomes just right. Perfect — if you will.