Candles and Hygge
Candles are so powerful for creating ease and warmth in any space.
If you are not already burning them in your home, workspace and practice space, go grab some candles.
I have always loved the feeling and smell that a burning candle elicits when you walk into a room aglow with candlelight.
Recently, via my sister in law, I came to investigate a practice called “hygge,” a Danish term defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Pronounced “hoo-guh,” the word is said to have no direct translation in English, though “cozy” comes close. It derives from a sixteenth-century Norwegian term, hugga, meaning “to comfort” or “to console,” which is related to the English word “hug.”
Associated with relaxation and gratitude, hygge also elicits a "state of mindfulness: how to make essential and mundane tasks dignified, joyful, and beautiful, how to live a life connected with loved ones". A significant part of practicing "hygge" is burning candles. If this all sounds really inviting to you, check out this great article to learn even more about HYGGE! BTW, the Danes are known to be the happiest people in the world!
If you are unsure where to start in your candle search, I like Sweet Dish & Darling (made locally & we happen to sell those at IBY) and I also love Voluspa Candles sold locally at Sacred Hour.