This summer's reading has gone so badly. I can't seem to finish a book. I think it is two things: 1) I need new glasses and have been too distracted and lazy to get them. 2) I've been watching too many youtube videos and been on facebook too much. My focus is shot.
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| This one has not so long a subtitle: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakeable Peace. |
But I finally finished not one but two books! Both were short, encouraging type books. The first was a reread: Teaching From Rest by Sarah Mackenzie. We did a group read at the Catholic Relaxed Homeschoolers group on facebook. The book reads almost like a devotional. Very Catholic and full of inspiration and deep thoughts on homeschooling. I highly recommend it as a way to reset and refresh yourself as a homeschooling parent.
The second book was kind of a secular devotional. Entitled The Cozy Life; Rediscover the Joy of the Simple Things Through the Danish Concept of Hygge. Long title. Hygge, If you didn't pick this up from the title, is the Danish idea of creating a life of coziness and contentment. The book reads rather superficially and was full of stuff I already knew, but now it was all packaged under the concept of hygge. I do think, though, it is valuable to be reminded to enjoy the little things in life, and of the idea that a lot of your own happiness (barring any great tragedy or abuse) is under your own control, and that slowing down and making things simple really do create a better, deeper quality of life.
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| A quick, uplifting read |
The idea of hygge has inspired me though to try to really apply it my own life in a not so haphazard way. I first recall learning of this concept a few years ago from Dr. Carol Reynolds music history video. But it was under the German term Gemuetlitch. Same idea though. So inspired, I have decided that beginning on our first official day of the new academic year, which is August 21st (day of the eclipse!), I am going to try to do 100 Days of Hygge. Some of the ladies at Catholic Relaxed Homeschoolers are also game. So I am looking forward to that.
For more book reviews go to Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks (something I have not been keeping up with!).
In trying to have our home be a domestic church, I have always strived to create a warm, cozy environment, and there are certain things I do to make our home welcoming (having a lamp on during the winter months, having a good snack ready when the boys come home, making sure the front door and porch are clean so as to welcome guests). I had never heard about the Danish concept of Hygge, but now I'll have to look into it. Thanks for sharing!
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