The Little Book of Lykke
Looking for a book to read? Perhaps you have some unexpected time at home. How about a happy book? The Little Book of Lykke: The Danish Search for the World’s Happiest People. Lykke (pronounced Luuh-kah) means happiness in Danish. It’s written by Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. The book is the second in his trilogy of books on happiness – equally adorable and inspiring as his first and third books.
In this little book, Meik takes us on a treasure hunt to find what makes happy people happy and “look for the good that does exist in the world.” So get your marker, get your list, and get a friend if you’d like. It’s time for a treasure hunt!
This treasure hunt seeks to answer the question: What do happy people have in common?
It’s a big question. But there is a pragmatic way to go about finding the answers by reviewing statistics, observing people over time and finding the patterns that emerge. This research shows there are six common factors or building blocks to happiness.
Like the other two books, it is filled with practical advice or Happiness Tips. For togetherness, this can mean sharing a meal with family or friends or seeking out ways to enhance community spirit in your neighbourhood. A book-lending cupboard is one idea that Meik has started in his apartment building….but it seems his neighbours do not share his love of statistics. Introduction to Statistics rarely leaves the makeshift shelf atop the letterboxes.
While we know that money does not buy happiness, there are some tips to get the most bang for your buck. His advice: Buy memories, not things. This connects nicely with The Art of Making Memories. Planning for experiences in advance also creates joy simply from the expectation of it (like setting travel goals.)
“See experiences as investments in happy memories and in our personal story and development.”
Meik Wiking, The Little Book of Lykke
A boost to happiness occurs if these experiences are meaningful and part of something bigger – something that takes you towards a lifelong passion.
Another of Meik’s tips is to expect the “hedonistic treadmill”. Studies show that once you make enough money to live comfortably and meet basic needs, your happiness does not increase with more money. More stuff does not mean greater happiness, thus the “hedonistic treadmill”. So if you are on a quest for something meaningful (e.g, baking the perfect loaf or searching for a specific wine) take time to enjoy the journey towards your goal. Happiness is the by-product of the process rather than the end product.
While the book often highlights Danish practices, the research looks across cultures. We already know from The Little Book of Hygge (pronounced Hoo-gaa) that Danes love cycling. It makes them happy to commute on their two wheeled friends. In Japan, shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” promotes good health. Bathing refers to soaking everything in and stimulating all your senses – the sights, sounds and smells of your natural setting.
Meik’s playful sense of humour makes this an easy read. And he shares personal experiences along the way. In the section on freedom, he talks about his decision to quit a well-paid secure job to start a research institute on happiness. I love that he quotes his dad, Wolf Wiking, at this pivotal moment.
“One should not focus on potential earnings when it comes to jobs – one should focus on the satisfaction you could get from it.”
Wolf Wiking, The Little Book of Lykke
Danish culture places value on free time and work-life balance. But even if you don’t live in Denmark, there are some simple ideas for freeing up your time. If you have some slack time, how about trying to learn a new language on Duolingo. Porque no?
Danes also have a high level of trust in their society. People who trust other people are happier. This spirit of trust and cooperation is fostered early in life as part of the Danish curriculum in schools.
A small cluster of snowdrops made me think of the kindness of my neighbour. She planted these flowers on the side of the road, outside of her fenced yard so passersby can see them. These flowers have a story. She replanted them from a friend’s garden when the friend moved out (after living in the house for over 70 years!) It’s wonderful she salvaged them before the house and garden were torn down. The dainty snowdrops remind her of her homeland England. In their new home on our street, the delicate flowers poking up are the first sign of early spring.
There are so many other ideas in the book. It’s a great time to curl up with a good book. A book about happiness. And if you are a neighbour, come on by and you can borrow my book. I have the whole series.
