Lagom- how much is enough?
Last meeting, we had a discussion around the chapter The Lagom Solution by Alan Atkisson. Lagom is a Swedish word that roughly translates to 'enough', but without the after-taste that the word seems to carry in English, of not being quite, well, enough.
My reading of the chapter is that lagom translates as being 'satisfying' or 'content' with what you have. It is, as Alan explains, "neither too much or too little" and is "exactly the right amount. It can be applied to anything: stuff, people, the size of a room, the food on your plate..even the atmosphere at a party"
The example that Alan uses is the (astonishing) revelation that his Swedish partner only had two towels (and an additional one for traveling). She explained that when her bathroom towels were dirty, she cleaned them. When they wore out, she bought two more. She finishes her explanation with "Why do I need more than two?"
In a culture obsessed with more, more, more and a social psyche geared for growth, I feel that we have much to learn about this concept of 'enough'.
I used the chapter as inspiration to clear out my linen closet some time ago. This manoeuvre was put to the test just last weekend when we catered for 9 sleep-over guests. I had enough linen for each bed and enough pillows as some guests brought their own. The verdict? It was a success. I have more room in my cupboards with no yellowing sheets to discover stuffed at the back and I get to experience that 'freeing' feeling of having space.
This week I am focussed on clearing out more clutter and passing things on or around.
Speaking of which, our group has taken up the concept of swapping with great gusto and several people brought things to exchange- seedlings, greens and booklets of information. We are also going to be swapping skills soon, with a date slotted for learning how to make Fetta. I can't wait! After that, I'd love to do a session on preserving and beer making. I've got some hands up already for volunteers on sharing these skills. What a talented lot we are!
The next chapter is "Changing the World one Block at a Time" by Jay Walljasper.
Other news
I've heard back from Michelle who is with the Creating Callala group and she is really keen to co-host an event on the 1st of March, plus has other great ideas. I will keep you all posted.
I'm leaning towards the idea of winding our own group up in March and amalgamating with the Creating Callala group. Would be keen to get your ideas on this as well (and it will mean we will have to jam-pack all of our learnings into the next few mont
So, back to you all... Did anyone draw any inspiration from the Lagom? What did you do?
See you on the 5th January!
Ingrid
Last meeting, we had a discussion around the chapter The Lagom Solution by Alan Atkisson. Lagom is a Swedish word that roughly translates to 'enough', but without the after-taste that the word seems to carry in English, of not being quite, well, enough.
My reading of the chapter is that lagom translates as being 'satisfying' or 'content' with what you have. It is, as Alan explains, "neither too much or too little" and is "exactly the right amount. It can be applied to anything: stuff, people, the size of a room, the food on your plate..even the atmosphere at a party"
The example that Alan uses is the (astonishing) revelation that his Swedish partner only had two towels (and an additional one for traveling). She explained that when her bathroom towels were dirty, she cleaned them. When they wore out, she bought two more. She finishes her explanation with "Why do I need more than two?"
In a culture obsessed with more, more, more and a social psyche geared for growth, I feel that we have much to learn about this concept of 'enough'.
I used the chapter as inspiration to clear out my linen closet some time ago. This manoeuvre was put to the test just last weekend when we catered for 9 sleep-over guests. I had enough linen for each bed and enough pillows as some guests brought their own. The verdict? It was a success. I have more room in my cupboards with no yellowing sheets to discover stuffed at the back and I get to experience that 'freeing' feeling of having space.
This week I am focussed on clearing out more clutter and passing things on or around.
Speaking of which, our group has taken up the concept of swapping with great gusto and several people brought things to exchange- seedlings, greens and booklets of information. We are also going to be swapping skills soon, with a date slotted for learning how to make Fetta. I can't wait! After that, I'd love to do a session on preserving and beer making. I've got some hands up already for volunteers on sharing these skills. What a talented lot we are!
The next chapter is "Changing the World one Block at a Time" by Jay Walljasper.
Other news
I've heard back from Michelle who is with the Creating Callala group and she is really keen to co-host an event on the 1st of March, plus has other great ideas. I will keep you all posted.
I'm leaning towards the idea of winding our own group up in March and amalgamating with the Creating Callala group. Would be keen to get your ideas on this as well (and it will mean we will have to jam-pack all of our learnings into the next few mont
So, back to you all... Did anyone draw any inspiration from the Lagom? What did you do?
See you on the 5th January!
Ingrid
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