Know your Feng Shui from your Ubuntu

Lorna Hogg explains

Do you know your Hygge from your Ikigai? Are you in touch with your Ubuntu - or is Feng Shui more your style? Perhaps you think that such philosophies or beliefs are merely trends, or even money traps for the unwary. Yet many are based on thousands of years of ancient beliefs, religious or national customs, and have stood the test of time. So could it be possible that they might offer some relevance to our fast-moving lives?

Feng Shui is now known world-wide, and has become for many, associated with de-cluttering your home. Yet essentially, this ancient Chinese philosophy attempts to help people harmonise energy forces with their own surroundings. The belief behind feng-shui is that everything that physically surrounds you - from house clutter, sharp angles in a room’s layout, blocked doors or windows, to placement of mirrors, plants or ornaments, will reflect back to you, and impact on your life.

The practice of Feng Shui goes back some 6,000 years, and is linked to the idea is that when you change your surroundings, you can clear energy blockages, you open up energy routes.

Hygge ( pronounced hoo-gah) could be described as a way of life, as well as a Danish philosophy. It centres on social connectedness, creating a warm atmosphere, especially in the cold dark days of winter, and enjoying the good things in life with friends. As it is linked with relaxation, cosiness, comfort and conviviality, it is unsurprisingly loved by retailers, and has become associated with candles and snuggling into blankets.

However, Hygge also to some extent reflects a quality in the Danish character. As a small country, Denmark manages to combine efficiency and equality with style, friendliness and substance. Hygge is about warmth, cosiness, friendliness and a sense of belonging, and embracing the mood in the moment.

Ikigal is an ancient Japanese philosophy, and way of life that has infuenced generations. It is regularly remarked how well the Japanese age. Older people are frequently healthy, and socially involved in later years. Ikigai could play a part. Followers aim to follow a healthy diet, have close communities, support groups and take regular exercise. Yet there is more to Ikigai. Ideally, it helps you find your reason for being, your purpose, which in turn gives meaning to your life, joy and well-being.

The egalitarian Swedes have their own philosophy – Lagom. It roughly translates to `just right’ `in balance’ or `suitable.’ Appearing to be what might be considered flashy or boastful is not popular in Sweden. Those people who already believe that `Less can be More,’ or that `Enough is as good as a feast’ will sympathise wth Lagom. Moderation, balance, showing gratitude, listening as well as talking and showing kindness and care to others are also aspects.

Friluftsliv With a literal translation of `free air life,’ this Norwegian belief encourages the importance of the outdoor life. Norwegian children start early, with outdoor time as an important part of school, especially in their early years. Anyone who has seen the beauty of the Norwegian countryside will understand the `friluftsliv’ belief –that being outdoors in the extraordinary beauty of the mountains, midnight sun, fjords and glaciers, is a positive and uplifting experience. The Scandinavians like to point out that ``there is no such thing as the wrong weather – only the wrong clothing.’’ So, hiking, early morning dips (ideally in the open air) Nordic walking, mountain walking, whether alone or with friends, are all popular friluftsliv activities.

Ubuntu received a publicity boost after the recent tour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Africa. The ancient philosophy of Ubuntu is at the heart of the African code of ethics. It supports the view that people fulfil their humanity when they are respectful of other people’s humanity. It received attention during the post apartheid transition to majority rule in South Africa, and was espoused in particular by Archbishop Tutu.``I am a person through other people’ is at the heart of the belief – and shown through unquestioning warmth, openness, participation in community and above all, sharing.

Kindness, tolerance, the ability to `put yourself in another’s shoes’ and forgiveness are all part of ubuntu. Looking outside ourselves for the bigger picture is important - the `golden thread of love’ connects all things. This all helps to gain ubuntu – regarding the self and other as one.

Whatever your views on them, it is ironical that all of these philosophies, whether ancient or comparatively modern, have relevance to our lives today. We now all know that de-cluttering and tidying are good for stress, health and mood. Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxing meal with friends, in cosy surroundings, during a cold, dark winter? Feeling yourself part of a community plus regular socialising help to cut down depression and isolation. The extent of consumer borrowing and debt all around us can be a reminder than less can indeed be more - and doctors regularly tell us that we all need more exercise and time outdoors. So, as we enter a new decade of challenges, is it possible that these old philosophies, customs and beliefs really may have something to teach us all?