Hygge, Loving Kindness, and a Dog Named Dexter

This is not the post I was planning.

I wrote, in detail, an entirely different post that consisted of a 2025 reflection and a look ahead at 2026. You can see that content here on the Cycle Forward website.

I’ve been on the hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) bandwagon this winter. Originating in Norway with the original word meaning well-being, Hygge is a sort of cozy contentment. It’s a feeling and a sensibility as much as an atmosphere you create. But it’s the Danes, apparently, who have perfected the art of hygge. (It’s a Danish word that is thought to relate to the term hugge, or hug.) So I’ve been embracing hygge this winter and hope that you will, too. It’s perfect for long winter nights. Light some candles, grab a good book, a board game, and a few friends and create some hygge.

Due to my (slight) fixation, Kathi took me to see the final day of the "Scandinavian Home: Landscape and Lore” exhibit at The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens. Billed as “Pittsburgh’s coziest exhibition,” it wasn’t what I first imagined in the way of coziness factor, but I quite enjoyed it. There were so many great winter landscapes and interesting furnishings. Here are some of my favorites:

I will never tire of sycamores. Here’s a pair at the Frick, though they may actually be London Plane trees given the location. Can you see the snow? Whichever of these similar species, they’re all magnificent and bring a welcome pop to a winter landscape. Here’s a post I once wrote about sycamores.

Have you seen the research about how doom scrolling re-wires our brains? “Popcorn brain” is one of the terms I saw. I’m trying to keep from spending too much time on social media, though I am still there. Things I’m doing to counter time wasted online:

I took a free guided meditation class last week (“Meditation with a Monk,” free at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh). In a world in which so many of our thoughts are negative (80%, he said), he encouraged us to commit to loving kindness in our words and actions. It reminded me of a quote that I keep on hand: “It is in your best interest to be very tender” (Jenny Holzer). I’m planning to go back for another session.

I also signed up for a writing workshop (digital storytelling) being offered by Carlow University. And I’m thinking about starting a meet up group for Pittsburgh people who want to share stories and travel ideas about Atlantic Canada. If you’re in Pittsburgh and want to join in, let me know. Something else I’m thinking about/dreaming of is seeing the Sandhill Cranes migrating south. It’s probably not happening this winter, but hopefully another year soon! Here’s how YOU can watch along the Tennessee River (let me know if you go).

Oh, and my favorite positive thing about Facebook lately? Watching videos of this North Carolina dog, Dexter, whose hobby is pulling blankets through the doggie door. Here’s one!

So these are some of the things I’ve been up to lately. It helps to have some things to be interested in and practices to commit to in these different times. Whatever you do, keep working to affect change in your local community, know that it’s still important to reach out to your members of Congress, and take good care of yourself and each other.

• Are you thinking about creating a stewardship program? I was delighted to hear that a program I helped design along the New York State Canalway Water Trail in 2020 has achieved its goal of full coverage across the 450-mile route by the canal’s bicentennial year (this year). See their program impact report here and check out their website for some stewardship program inspiration.

• Those who follow me on Facebook may have seen my recent post where I shared an old PA Downtown Center video about nature-based placemaking. I rewatched it recently, and the messaging still holds up. This is master level storytelling. Check it out.

• Finally, Amex and Main Street America are continuing their partnership with the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. This is a grant that’s available to small businesses. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 16, so work fast! Or begin thinking ahead for next year.