Three Books to Inspire You to Find Happiness in Life - Learn from the wisdom of different cultures and discover what makes you happy.

There are many ways to learn, but nothing compares to the impact and speed of traveling and reading books to expand one's horizons.

I have now travelled to about seventeen (17) countries and read over One hundred (100) books in the last 19+ years, and what fascinates me from both journeys is learning about different lifestyles, cultures and human behaviour.

Recently, I stumbled upon the concept of the “quest for happiness”, from the eyes of different cultures and philosophies and three (3) concepts that stuck are the Danish concepts of Hygge and Lykke, and the Japanese concept of Ikigai. These philosophies offer unique insights on finding happiness and satisfaction in life.

What is happiness and how can we achieve it?

Happiness is a universal human desire, but it is also a complex and elusive concept. Different cultures have different ways of defining and pursuing happiness, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula for finding it. However, by exploring the insights and practices of different traditions, we can learn more about ourselves and what makes us happy. I’ll be sharing from three books I read recently that offer some valuable lessons on the art of happiness from these three different perspectives: Hygge, Lykke and Ikigai.

Hygge: The Danish Secret of Happiness

Hygge is a Danish word that roughly translates to "coziness" or "comfort". It is a feeling of warmth, security and belonging that comes from enjoying the simple pleasures of life with the people you love. Hygge is not about having expensive things or doing extravagant activities, but rather about creating a cozy atmosphere, appreciating the present moment, and cultivating gratitude. Some examples of hygge are lighting candles, reading a book, baking a cake, playing a board game, or cuddling on the sofa.

In his book The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well, Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, explains the concept of hygge and how it contributes to the happiness of the Danes, who are consistently ranked among the happiest people in the world. He also offers some practical tips on how to incorporate hygge into your daily life, such as choosing the right lighting, dressing comfortably, creating a hygge playlist, hosting a hygge party or making a hygge emergency kit. He invites you to embrace the hygge lifestyle and experience the joy of living simply and authentically.

In a practical sense, Hygge can also be achieved by enjoying a warm cup of coffee in your favourite chair, lighting candles to create a soothing atmosphere, or spending quality time with loved ones. It's about creating a space that feels safe and comforting, allowing you to relax and appreciate the present moment.

Lykke: The Danish Word for Happiness

Lykke is another Danish word that means "happiness" or "good fortune". It is a broader and more holistic concept than hygge, as it encompasses not only the personal and emotional aspects of happiness, but also the social and environmental ones. Lykke is about finding balance, harmony and meaning in life, and being part of a community that supports and cares for each other.

In his book The Little Book of Lykke: The Danish Search for the World's Happiest People, Meik Wiking explores the six factors that influence happiness according to the World Happiness Report: togetherness, money, health, freedom, trust, and kindness. He travels around the world and shares some inspiring stories and examples of how different people and cultures practice these factors and achieve Lykke. He also suggests some simple and effective ways to improve your own happiness and well-being, such as volunteering, meditating, smiling, spending time in nature or giving compliments. He challenges you to adopt the Lykke mindset and make the world a happier and more compassionate place.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Ikigai is a Japanese word that means "reason for being" or "purpose in life". It is the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for. Ikigai is not only about finding your passion or your dream job, but also about finding meaning and fulfilment in everything you do, no matter how big or small. Ikigai is also closely related to the concept of longevity, as having a clear sense of purpose can help you live longer and healthier.

In their book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles explore the secrets of the centenarians of Okinawa, Japan, who have the highest life expectancy in the world and a remarkable quality of life. They reveal the nine principles of ikigai that these people follow, such as staying active, eating lightly, forming strong social bonds, having a positive attitude, and following their passions. They also provide some practical advice on how to discover and pursue your own ikigai, such as making a list of your values, skills, interests, and goals, finding a mentor, joining a club or learning something new. They encourage you to find your ikigai and live a long and happy life.

In the context of work, Ikigai is about doing something you love, something you're good at, something the world needs, and something you can be paid for. It's the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession. However, Ikigai is not just about work. It's about finding purpose in all aspects of life, including hobbies, relationships, and personal growth.

Conclusion

Happiness is not a destination, but a journey. It is not something that we can find outside of ourselves, but something that we can create within ourselves. By learning from the wisdom of different cultures and traditions, we can enrich our lives and find our own happiness. The concepts of Hygge, Lykke, and Ikigai offer valuable insights into achieving happiness. They remind us to appreciate the simple things, to seek balance and purpose in our lives, and to value our relationships and community. As we navigate through the complexities of life, these philosophies can guide us towards a more fulfilling and contented existence.

The three (3) books can inspire you to learn more about these philosophies, by offering some inspiring and useful insights and tips on how to live well and be happy. Whether you are looking for more coziness, balance, meaning or all of the above, they can inspire you to find your own way to happiness.

And don't forget, happiness is not just about personal contentment, but also about contributing to a happier, healthier world.

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