The Importance of a Good Nook when it comes to Nourishment

A nook and a book is all it took to kick the doldrums right out of January. Even I don’t quite believe that I’m about to type this sentence, but, I kind of look forward to January and February these days. If you’ve experienced Maine weather during these months, you’d absolutely think I’ve lost it, but after so many years of whining about how long these months take to pass by, I’ve now come to savor the quiet and slowness of each and every day. 

These cold, dark winter months have now become my season of dreaming green. After 25 years of gardening, I do have to confess that it’s in this dream that some of my favorite garden experiences are found. To dream green is to get excited about possibilities and hopes for the upcoming growing season, but without any of the pesky realities that come with actual gardening like weather, pests and disease. It’s a time to purely focus on what could be, and that adds a bit of much needed magic to the winter’s day. 

But before we can dive into this kind of soul satisfying dreaming, we need to set the mood. I’m a huge believer in carving out a nook in your living space where you can bring together a cozy place to sit, a little table for tea (or drink of choice), a stack of gardening books/catalogs, blanket, journal, pencils, a houseplant and whatever other creature comfort you desire. It doesn’t have to be a large space, mine for many years was a tiny chair in the corner of our living room by the bookshelf. 

Once you’ve created this little nest of comfort, claim it. Let the other humans around you know that while you don’t mind sharing the space, it’s kind of your sacred spot in the house. Do not use this space for anything other than taking time for yourself in it…in other words, it’s not the spot to also pay the bills in. 

Frankly, this is what the whole hygge craze was about a few years back…creating coziness. The Scandinavian culture have a wonderful emphasis on both slowing down to take care of yourself, along with such a reverence for Nature. Sweden celebrates Lagom which basically means living a good, balanced life, one filled with quiet time and Nature. 

While there’s no direct translation, the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which centers around the happiness of living. Germans partake in Gemütlichkeit, which really just sounds like the perfect day with some good friends…good food, quality music, comfy surroundings and just relaxing. And the Scottish practice the art of staying snug and warm, also known as Còsagach. Think fireplace, hot beverage, good book…

What I’m basically trying to say is that this approach to creating a comfy nook for you to simply be in, isn’t a radical idea. Rather it’s one often celebrated in many other cultures for a very, very long time. We just get too whirled up in our day to day to stop and appreciate our surroundings, and your nook will allow you to do both at once…stop for a bit, and appreciate. 

Happy nesting!