There are so many fantastic topics, speakers, panels, posters, and more coming up at Meeting of the Minds, April 10-12, 2025. But, when attendees are not busy absorbing quality information or engaging in networking and conversation, we have the place for you. It is the sensory room and this year, we are filling it with elements honoring the Danish concept of “hygge.”
What’s hygge, you say? Well, let’s start with the pronunciation. Per Meik Wiking, CEO of The Happiness Research Institute and author of The Little Book of Hygge: Secrets for Happy Living, you say it “hoo-ga.” But you’ll definitely find other places that pronounce it more like “hue-guh.” Regardless of how you say it, living this Danish celebration of comfort, togetherness, and well-being is a real game changer.
The Sensory/Hygge Room
According to Wiking’s “Hygge Manifesto,” there are ten separate elements that can help you cultivate hygge in your own life. At Meeting of the Minds this year, you can seek out these elements in the sensory room in the following ways:
- Atmosphere: Turn down the lights. Hygge is all about cozy lighting, lamps, and a relaxing environment. This room will be lit by lamps and (battery-powered) candles and filled with sounds from a sound machine that cultivate relaxation and comfort.
- Presence: Be here now. Turn off the phones. A sign that says “Please, use soft voices and silence your phones” will greet visitors as they arrive. You will find a peaceful environment here.
- Pleasure: The Danes love their warm drinks, pastries, and chocolates. While the conference will have coffee and tea available several times a day, this is where you can find the sweets. Come by to enjoy a Dove Promises chocolate.
- Equality: “We” over “me.” Share the tasks and the airtime. If you want the opportunity to share a hygge environment or task with others, this station will be the place to do so. We have a totally silly diamond art project many people can work on throughout the conference. And, good conversation is a plus.
- Gratitude: Take it in. There’s a lot of heavy things going on in the world. And, while we will never promote toxic positivity, we do have things we can celebrate. For those, we have beautiful gratitude notecards. Share yours here for your own encouragement and you may leave some behind for someone else as well!
- Harmony: This is one of the most beautiful concepts of hygge. They believe life is not a competition. In short, we already like you. Thus, there is no need to brag about your achievements or prove your worth. Embrace this truth by grabbing and/or sharing one of our affirmation stickers.
- Comfort: Get comfy. Take a break. It’s all about relaxation. In some ways, we are simple creatures and all it takes to feel a bit better is a comfy rest in a comfy spot. Sit a spell here and rest.
- Truce: Whew! The topics at Meeting of the Minds, while so important, can be intense sometimes! But, in this space we will set those aside for a moment. Helps us fill out the list of “Things that bring me peace, happiness, joy…”
- Togetherness: Build relationships and narratives. The Danes love to reminisce, particularly in a way that helps people connect and feel warmth. At this station, you will have the opportunity to consider whom you would reach out to say, “Do you remember the time we…?” to bring yourself and them a happy memory.
- Shelter: This is a place of peace and security. Hygge means filling your space with things you love. While we don’t know what you all love, we do know that you are loved. Pick up a wooden pocket hug token for yourself and/or someone else here.
Meeting of the Minds is such an important and valuable conference. And, it can also be an intense and triggering time or just a time that feels full, and sometimes, you just need a break. We hope that this year’s hygge-focused sensory room will be a great support in those moments!
Published March 31, 2025. By Anne Rulo, Author, Speaker, Therapist. www.annerulo.com. FB/IG/Twitter @annemrulo