Front porch news: striving to live the Scandinavian way

Front porch news #4

A moment of Friluftsliv - connecting to nature.

Since my return from an epic trip to several Scandinavian countries this summer, I’ve been inspired by the Scandinavian way of living — that effortless mix of mindfulness, simplicity, and closeness to nature. I felt that rhythm of life firsthand there — the calm mornings, unhurried coffee, and their deep respect for the outdoors. It’s a lifestyle that feels both grounded and free, built around small joys: morning coffee, listening to the birds, long walks in the woods, or just some quiet time in the forest.

I’ve been exploring how to bring more of this energy — calm, connection, and presence — into my own life.

The four major themes of the Scandinavian way of living

Hygge (Danish/Norwegian)

Pronunciation: HOO-guh (in Danish) or sometimes HYOO-guh in English.

Meaning: A feeling of coziness, warmth, and contentment — enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

Hygge has been called everything from the art of creating intimacy, coziness of the soul, and the absence of annoyance to taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things and cozy togetherness. — Meik Wiking

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Lagom (Swedish)

Pronunciation: LAW-gom (with a soft “g,” almost like “lah-gum”)

Meaning: Just the right amount — balance, moderation, and harmony.

Spending time with family and friends is important to maintain a balance in our lives. — Tim Rayborn

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Friluftsliv (Norwegian/Swedish)

Pronunciation: FREE-loofts-leev (or FREE-loofts-liv — the “ft” is very light).

Meaning: This is the deep Scandinavian love of being outside — hiking, walking, skiing, camping — not for performance, but for well-being. It’s about connecting with nature daily, in all seasons and weather.

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Sisu (Finnish)

Pronunciation: SEE-soo

Meaning: Inner strength, grit, and quiet resilience — the courage to keep going.
Sisu is about resilience — going beyond what seems possible, with dignity and calm. It’s not loud or showy; it’s quiet power.

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How I strive to weave these principles into my life

Above: even in the winter, I like to spend time on my front porch.

My morning routine (Hygge + Lagom)

This is my favorite time of the day — when I first wake up and spend some time enjoying the solitude of the morning. I brew my favorite cup of coffee and hold the mug in my hands to soak in the warmth. I open the window shades to let the morning light flicker into the room. I look for some color in the sunrise. After a few sips of coffee, I venture out to the front porch. I listen for the birds……sometimes it is quiet for a while. Then the birds start their morning chatter - either quietly or noisily. I wonder what they are talking about. Listening to the birds is like my daily meditation — to ground myself and keep me in the moment.

Morning’s hush and warmth.
Birds begin their tender talk.
Peace before the day.

Above: practicing Hygge with enjoying a sunrise.

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Keeping active every day (Friluftsliv + Lagom)

This seems easy to me but I know I need to keep pushing myself as I get older. Getting outside — to hike, run, or ski — is my rhythm through every season. No matter the weather, I crave that feeling of movement, the pulse of my heart, the spark it gives my mind. When I run, my thoughts seem to untangle; questions find their answers somewhere between each breath.

Does exercise help you to think better?

The weather has never stopped me. I’ve skied through bitter cold and run marathons under relentless rain - there’s something grounding, almost ancestral, in meeting the elements head-on. Maybe there really is a bit of Scandinavian blood in me after all.

And when the snow begins to fall, I feel it - that rush of excitement. I grab my skis, step outside, and chase the quiet magic of winter.

Above: practicing Friluftsliv - heading out into the forest for a ski.

Above: practicing Lagom and Friluftsliv by spending time with family.

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My own journey of Sisu

Sisu is all about being resilient - going beyond what seems impossible and being strong when needed. Sisu is for those moments during a long endurance event - run, ski or hike - where I still keep going. Something inside me keeps telling me to just take one more step, one more strike or one more stroke. That is my Sisu - a steady, calm and deeply rooted strength.

When I ran the Erie Marathon during a torrential and persistent rain, I kept going. The rain was so heavy that it created pools of water on the course. I gave up trying to avoid the puddles and just ran right through them. I finished the race but a lot slower than usual.

Running the Erie Marathon in my first attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

When I skied the Craftsbury Marathon 50-kilometer ski race, it was bitterly cold. The temperature at start of the race hovered just above zero degrees - almost too cold but the race started anyway. My motivation to finish my first 50K ski race carried me through the course - I just kept moving. At each aid station, a volunteer would shove warm liquid down my mouth so I would not have to take my gloves off. I stumbled across the finish line and fell. Exhausted and absolutely frozen. I finished.

Today, I keep going — quietly, but with strength.

It’s that moment on a long run or hike when your legs are tired, the weather turns, and you still keep going — not to prove anything, but because something quiet inside you says, just one more step. That’s Sisu — steady, calm, and deeply rooted strength.

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Which part of the Scandinavian lifestyle — Hygge, Lagom,Friluftsliv, or Sisu — speaks to you the most?

Recommended reading (on my nightstand):

The Scandinavian Guide to Happiness. Tim Rayborn

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