Gezellig

It is one of the first words that I learned in Dutch. Gezellig has no equivalent in Italian. It is a word that needs to be explained and is very representative of Nordic culture. It is linked to a feeling and a sensation.

I tried it some time ago: after so many months of confinement due to the lockdown, away from friends, I managed to organize an evening for girls, in a cool place, to celebrate reunions, being together, freedom and friendship. And there was a moment during the evening, amidst laughter, wine and silly photos, where I experienced this gezellig! In short, when we feel satisfied, surrounded by loved ones in a cozy atmosphere.

It's just a feeling of fullness.

My friend sitting next to me, she looked at me and she said "what's up? Ah, you're happy". But feeling and realizing this gezellig, it is necessary to be “here and now”. Which we now do with some difficulties: we struggle between anxiety for the future and regret for the past, in the present we are stressed about the short time, struggling to solve problems, at work and / or in our relationships. Be “here and now” means staying anchored to reality and avoiding mental short circuits, in episode 10 of the podcast dedicated to stress, we talked about this topic.

Since we are not used to being in the present in full awareness, we miss the pieces, even the pleasant sensations, sometimes escaping through the blessed mobile phone always in our hand, ready to resume, but which ends up being a screen even with our emotions.

I can think of some singers who invited their fans to enjoy the concert, rather than watch it through their phone.

But how do we anchor ourselves to reality? First of all, eliminating distractions, such as the mobile phone which, for a period of time, we may decide to put away. Another method is breathing: focusing on breathing allows us to bring our attention back to something material, practical and essential. Again, observing what is happening around us. Let's suspend judgement, let's suspend the usual adage "I don't have time, I don't have time, come on come on come on!", and let's stop and look at the people, the things around us. Trying and trying again, or rather getting used to being in the flow of things: "how beautiful this song, wait until I activate shazam!" Well no! Stop. Let's dance it, let's sing it, let's follow the rhythm.

Happy gezellig everyone!