Autumn is now in full swing here in London, although my rhododendron is still producing flowers to my astonishment because, for the last 23 years, it’s only flowered once in May and not for long. This late summer, it started flowering again and still is. Curiouser and curiouser, Alice would say. 

As the leaves are golden, the days wetter and the nights longer, it is time to sink into some hygge comfort. I like that the days are shorter because it means that I can light my fairy lights and candles for longer. I can also use the warmer, comfy throws which is something I love doing. I buy throws with the same excitement as other women buy shoes! 

Last Sunday, I was so exhausted by the grief of losing both my parents, the horrible state of the world and the usual fatigue of one’s daily life, that I decided to have a pyjama day. It was wonderful and so restorative. I made lots of tea cups, switching to decaf after a few, had candles and fairy lights  on all day, was wrapped up in my pink, soft throw and just rested by doing next to nothing, at least nothing productive. The day felt long and luxurious and I did feel rested even though I had not slept enough. For the first time in a while, I felt safe in this warm cocoon. So much so that I decided to take the two last Sundays of November as pyjama days. 

3 QUOTES

• Hygge is about having less, enjoying more; the pleasure of simply being. 
  It is generous and celebratory, a way to remember the importance of the simple act of living itself.” 
  ― Louisa Thomsen Brits, The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well

• ”I’m caring enough about me to enjoy the simple pleasures I’ve planned for during this dark season so I can approach my days with a sense of abundance rather than scarcity.” 
  ― Jamie Erickson, Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow

• ”Experiencing a sense of presence and belonging is challenging when we're stressed or distracted. Hygge isn't the complete absence of the usual demands of a fully engaged human life, but it is facilitated by a willingness to put down our problems and abandon our cares for a while.” 
  ― Louisa Thomsen Brits, The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well
   

2 IDEAS

• For a truly relaxing pyjama day, here is a checklist. Do your shopping beforehand so that you don’t have to go out, change your sheets and pyjamas the night before, have a shower or bath before going to bed and inform people you live with that you will not be available and that they will have to do things for themselves. Of course, if you’d rather wear loungewear then please do. The idea is that you do what feels good to you and disconnect from activity, daily life and worries. A whole day of rest, guilt-free!
   
• If a pyjama day is not possible for you, at least plan to have a some time to relax. Prepare supplies to indulge in your hobby, choose a feel-good or exciting book to read or have a nap in a lovely corner of your home. Just do something that feels restorative to your soul and body.

1 QUESTION

What would make a great pyjama day for you? Make a list now.

Valerie 

http://valeriemarsh.com