Comfy Escape

Do you have a favorite place to escape when life becomes a bit overwhelming? 

I recently rediscovered old stomping grounds that have brought me much enjoyment.  During my first return we celebrated a birthday and the second was even more exciting as we searched for Heffalumps and Woozles!  The 100 Acres Woods hasn’t changed in the 20 years since my last visit; Pooh Bear, Piglet, Christopher Robin and the rest of the gang were still up to their silly antics and they welcomed me back as if I had never left.

One friend of mine retreats to Walnut Grove at least once a year and revisits Laura Ingles-Wilder while another returns to Jan Karon’s Mitford series every November and another has a shelf of books she re-reads yearly. This shelf holds favorite books that were her mother’s and when she sits in the pool of lamplight it is as though her mother sits with her sharing in the adventures of Gladys Taber on her rural farm filled with dogs, wild life and gardens. 

It is not only healthy but essential we find ways during these pandemic days to fill our soul with comfort and familiarity.  Recently, I discovered a radio station that plays only music from the 1970s, music from the simpler days of my childhood.  These tunes transport me back to summer days of lazing in the sun and hanging out with my girlfriends reminding me of a carefree life that once was mine.  Some have taken to creating their own play lists filling their lives with music that brings happiness and peace.

Ann Lamott, author and essayist, writes of the island she retreats to when life becomes overwhelming, her couch! With her favorite blanket, cup of tea and a good book she settles in for a long stay putting the world on hold while she safely floats on her island of calming comforts.

Meik Wiking in his book, The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well, writes about the importance of creating a hyggekrog which roughly translates as ‘a nook’ in your home. This comfy place is a place where you relax away from the world; it does not have a TV and should not be confused with the TV or living room. Wiking created a hyggekrog in his kitchen window seat by adding cushions and a blanket. We decided to follow Wiking’s lead and created a hyggekrog nook in our home. With the purchase of a new love seat and the rearranging of some other furnishings the space in front of our fireplace was transformed and it has become our favorite place in the house.

Whether it be a book, piece of music or a safe location I encourage you find your own island of comfort that beacons you to smile, relax and trust that all will be well.

Blessings,

Rev. Heather McCarrel

The photo with this Blog was taken by Paige Cody, used with permission/Unsplash