Today in our Sabbath group, a friend shared with us her deep love for Denmark and its culture. I've never really known much about Denmark, but tonight I learned several things about this little country that I never knew before, and that have convinced me that I pretty much want to live there:
1) According to research on happiness, the people in Denmark are found to be the happiest people on Earth.
2) This country has free health care for its citizens, school paid for through college, and a very good retirement plan that everyone receives. Although they pay more taxes, and the system isn't perfect, it's worth it because they know that their basic needs will be taken care of.
3) They have a 35hr. work week, and 6 weeks of paid vacation every year.
4) They are known for their ability to create wonderful dwelling spaces.
5) They deeply value community. When it comes to setting up a date to get together, they mean it...unlike our culture, where we'll casually say, "yeah, we should hang out sometime!" but often don't really mean it or follow through.
6) They know how to enjoy and savor the everyday.
During our reflection time, I realized that I just recently purchased a table that was made in Denmark that I absolutely love. It has no fluff or frills- just a basic, well built wooden table. But the amazing thing about it is that it is SO easy to use! It has two leaves that conveniently slide out and then back in, so it can easily sit four to six people, and I don't have to deal with the crazy hassle of trying to pull the table apart, take the leaf out, shove the table back together, and then find a place to hide the leaf in a closet or something. AND, the legs on this table are amazing too! They screw on and off, so you can transport the table easily, and it's easy enough for one person to do it. I was able to take it out of my car, carry it into the house, and set it up all by myself! The Danish people know how to make living easy and enjoyable, and stress-free...something that my adorable kitchen table demonstrates so well.
Our friend, Aurora, also read this poem, written by a Danish man that talks about his wild love for the everyday. I found it to be a lovely little poem that is definitely worth reading, sharing, and re-sharing.
Hyldest til Hverdagen (Tribute to the Everyday)
I am fond of the everyday,
most of all I am fond of the everyday,
The slow awakening to the known views
that all the same are never quite so familiar
The family's at once both intimate but after sleep's distance unfamiliar faces
morning kisses
the smack of the post landing in the hall
the smell of coffee
the ritual walk to the corner market for
milk, cigarettes, newspapers
I am fond of the everyday
even through all its irritations
the bus which clatters outside on the street
the telephone that incessantly disturbs the most beautiful, blankest
standing-still nothing of my aquarium
the birds that chirp from their cage
the old neighbor that looks past
the kid who has to be picked up at nursery only just as one is getting going
the constant shopping list in the jacket pocket
with its regular demands of meat, potatoes, coffee and crackers
the quick little one at the local
when we all meet together with our shopping bags and wipe our sweat from our brows
I am fond of the everyday
the daily agenda
also the biological
the unavoidable procedures of the bath and toilet
the obligatory shaving
the letters that must be written
the rent
the balancing of the checkbook
the dishes
the realization of having run out of diapers and tape
i am fond of the everyday
Not in contrast to parties and colors, good times and applause
have that as well
with all its leftover cinder
so much unsaid and approximated
floating and hanging in the air afterwards
like some sort of psychological hangover
only the everyday morning coffee can cure
fine enough with the parties! all the room for euphoria!
let the thousand pearls bubble!
and what happiness it is to afterwards lay oneself down
in rest and everyday's bed
with the familiar
all the same not quite so familiar
I am fond of the everyday
I am wild about it
stop the holidays i am so fond of the everyday
i am really fucking fond of the everyday
Thanks so much, friends, for a wonderful Sabbath evening, and to Aurora and Nicole for sharing your thoughts and voice with us. Here's to shakras (maybe I'll blog about that next week), and to the everyday!
