Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Set on the scenic Chao Phraya River, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has been around for over 149 years. And for book lovers, one of this 5-star hotel’s most notable features is the Author’s Lounge, a café with 19th-century wicker furniture and photos of famous writers gracing the walls. The café also happens to serve a special book-themed afternoon tea, with delectable sweets placed inside a unique, book-shaped dessert stand.

The Author’s Lounge is only one of the hotel’s dozen restaurants and bars, catering to a wide range of tastes. Visitors across the board praise both the staff and the beautiful architecture that provides a true luxury experience.

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Bangkok Publishing Residence

While the Mandarin Oriental dips its toes in literary culture, Bangkok Publishing Residence is a hotel that’s neck-deep in it. Located near the city’s historic Old Town, it’s housed in a building that used to be a printing house for the Bangkok Weekly in the 1960s.

While much of the decor has been upgraded to offer its guests comfort, you can still get a strong feeling of its publishing house roots in the structure of the building and the library and reading rooms filled with books, typewriters, and vintage printing machines. Quick note, though: this hotel is for those aged 16 and up, most likely in consideration of the many antiques tucked away here and there.

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River Books Shop

Settled near Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s most prominent Buddhist temples, River Books Shop’s aesthetic is a perfect combination of chic and traditional Thai patterns. This bookshop and café specializes in Southeast Asian art, history, and culture, with most of its stock consisting of self-published titles you won’t find elsewhere.

It has a fairly even mix of Thai and English language books (which makes sense considering it’s near a hot tourist spot). It also offers some crazy good Thai teas and smoothies, perfect for a hot day.

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Pridi Banomyong Library

Pridi Banomyong just so happens to be Thailand’s only underground library, with its four levels extending down, filled with literature on history, politics, and Thai culture. Alongside its books are plenty of modern conveniences like computer and audiovisual labs, and even a coffee shop, all thriving beneath Thammasat University’s Tha Prachan Campus.

Entry for non-students requires a small fee (30 baht or less than US$1 as of this writing). It’s a stellar deal, what with the many activities, exhibitions, and workshops the library is always hosting.

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Bangkok City Library

Located in Bangkok’s historic district is a surprisingly modern public library. Opened in 2017, Bangkok City Library offers a huge collection of both Thai and international books, plus free wifi, a ton of multimedia resources, and even books in Braille.

The library has many classical design elements, making for an overall elegant look, all while swimming in modern convenience. Consequently, establishing this library was one of the major initiatives Bangkok undertook after becoming a UNESCO World Book Capital, and it more than does its job in promoting reading culture in the city.

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Passport Bookshop

This independent, two-story bookstore gives off a homey atmosphere with its eclectic, colorful decor. The book-filled shelves plastered across the wall and staircase only add to the off-beat design, creating a space that is sure to put any bibliophile at ease.

Though it specializes in travel books in both English and Thai, you can also find a decent selection of other subjects like philosophy and literature. It also sells coffee, tea, and snacks alongside maps, postcards, and various merchandise.

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Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) Art Library

Add some art to your life with the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre’s specialized art library. Here, you can learn to your heart’s content from the collection of books and magazines on contemporary art, with a notable shout-out to the contemporary Thai exhibition catalogues.

The library also features reading areas, workspaces, and a kids’ corner for families and children. There’s even a free membership system that lets people borrow up to five books for seven days, and a decent selection of e-books and other digital resources available through the center’s website.

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Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park)

Established in 2004, TK Park promotes learning and literacy through a series of reading programs, workshops, and events, partnering with local government and private companies to spread knowledge in a unique and creative way.

Located on the 8th Floor of Central World, this creative, contemporary design filled with books and other multimedia (in multiple languages, such as Thai and English) makes it a hotspot for people of all ages, especially the younger generation. A small entry fee is needed to get in, but considering all there is to do, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

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B2S Think Space – Central Chidlom

This bookstore is the definition of Instagrammable, both in its unique, creative design and trendy, aesthetically pleasing layout. Its best-known feature is its Book Cave, with bookshelves mimicking a tunnel and a mirrored ceiling that gives the impression of being surrounded by an infinite number of texts.

Its children’s section also has a fun design, centered in a rounded space and complete with a comfy reading nook for eager young learners.

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HARDCOVER: The Art Book Shop

Located at the Central Embassy, HARDCOVER: The Art Book Shop offers a carefully curated selection on a variety of art-related topics, but most especially art from all over the world in all its forms: paintings, ceramics, statues, photography, architecture, and more. It’s also noted for having quite a few rare books.

The interior is a work of art, as well: leaves painted on the ceiling for a whimsical feel, a striking tower of shelves, and structures leading from one floor into the next. Even if you don’t buy a single book, it’s worth a visit just to soak up the atmosphere.

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Dasa Book Cafe

At three stories tall, you better believe this bookstore-and-café is crammed full of books. Not just any books, either; this secondhand shop sells primarily foreign-language titles, like English, French, German, and Italian. It covers a wide range of non-fiction as well as genre fiction. It’s a great place to find fantasy, mystery, children’s literature, and more.

On top of that, this book café sells secondhand CDs and coffee, accompanied by a peaceful vibe that’s perfect to relax in.

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Li-bra-ry Cafe (ไล-บรา-รี่)

Li-bra-ry Cafe is a book café with style in spades. It has a calming, minimalist vibe and plenty of books that are free to read while munching on sandwiches or desserts.

It has multiple seating areas, one of which has a ceiling striped with skylights, allowing for plenty of natural light. Combined with the brick interior and Zen-like strip of pebbles lining the base of the wall, it gives off the feeling of sitting outdoors while inside.

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Black and Milk at Rimkhobfa Bookstore

Remember: you can never have enough book cafés, and Black and Milk at Rimkhobfa Bookstore is an excellent example of why. Filled with Thai-language books about local culture and history, visitors can browse bookshelves interspersed with café seating.

The interior design is bright and airy, with a chic sense of style and a striking layout on the second floor, where you can peer down below amidst rows of books beside a mirror-like-plated wall.

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B2S Think Space Eastville

This one’s another B2S Think Space, this time located in Central Eastville, a shopping mall in Lad Phrao District. It offers a massive variety of books in a fairly even split of Thai and English-language, plus art supplies, stationary, CDs, and gift items The store’s design is largely in lighter colored wood, giving off a fresh, clean vibe, with gently curved bookshelves and walls that give off a distinctive style.

The store is divided into multiple sections, such as lifestyle, entertainment, and even a children’s area that comes with a slide. It really goes all out to attract people of all ages, making it a delight to visit.

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If you are looking for more films that feel like poetry, you’re in the right place. So grab a cozy blanket, settle in, and let these eleven movies wrap around your heart like a soft sweater.

Song of the Sea (2014)

Irish folklore gets the Studio Ghibli treatment in this enchanting animated gem. The soft, hand-drawn animation and a lullaby-like score just oozes poetic vibes. The movie Song of the Sea tells the story of Ben and his sister Saoirse, who happens to be a selkie with a job to do. Together, their journey is one of magical creatures, heartfelt family bonds, and deep healing.

Every frame looks and feels like it’s straight from a storybook, and by the end, your heart will be glowing (and you might just get a little weepy, too).

Midnight in Paris (2011)

This film somehow manages to capture the beauty of nostalgia, that feeling of almost yearning for the past. Each scene in the film entirely drips with romanticism, watching it, it’s almost as if painted with words rather than filmed. The dialogue is lyrical and feels straight out of a poetry book.

The city around the magnificent actors glow, and the plot and time flows fluidly, just like a poem unfolding line after line. Woody Allen’s vision renders Paris not just a place, but a feeling: wistful, enchanting, and timeless. Watching it is like reading a love letter to art, memory, and wonder.

The Wild Pear Tree (2018)

This Turkish film is slow, thoughtful, and full of beauty. It follows Sinan, a young writer navigating life after college as he returns to his hometown. As the film progresses, conversations seem to stretch like rivers, autumn leaves swirl around long walks, and deep thoughts bubble up under every word.

It’s a film that encourages you to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate life’s subtler rhythms. It handles deeper, more nuanced bonds between family in a way that many films are afraid to do so. Each emotion is handled with great care, woven seamlessly into the narrative and style.

The Last Unicorn (1982)

Fancy a whimsical dream wrapped in ‘80s sparkle? This slightly melancholic film is packed to the brim with it. It’s got magic, bravery, bittersweet love, and, of course, unicorns. The music is stunning, and only adds to the poetic feel of the movie, aiding in creating a nostalgic journey that is reminiscent of your favorite childhood fairytale.

A Ghost Story (2017)

It might sound spooky, but this film is perhaps one of the most tender displays of love and time that has ever been made. A man dies and returns as a ghost (think Halloween, white sheet ghost) to his home, where he lingers and watches as life continues without him. It might sound silly, but it is stunning. It’s profound and thoughtful, and examines memory, presence, and how much of ourselves we leave behind. The brilliance of this movie lies in its quiet, meditative mood.

Before Sunset Trilogy

In these three stunning films, the intimate rhythms of human connection are laid out for all to see. Through flowing, unbroken conversations, Jesse and Céline reveal their fears, hopes, and longings with brutal and poetic honesty. The films are all quiet, reflective, and emotionally precise, and somehow the trilogy as a whole has turned simple walks into profound explorations of love and the passing of time. It isn’t just the acting and the dialogue in these movies that make them wonderful. Every single pause, glance, and silence speaks volumes, just like the spaces between lines of a poem.

Amélie (2001)

Amélie is well-known for its joyful whimsy. It is set in what can only be described as a postcard-perfect Paris, and is an outright celebration of the small, sweet moments in life. Amélie, played by Audrey Tautou, sees the world in her own way. She’s different from others and is determined to make life better for every single person around her. The visuals are dreamy, and the score is nothing short of magical. It’s pure cinematic sunshine, and perfect for those after a poetic watch.

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)

Of course, there’s a Studio Ghibli film on this list—almost all of their films could fit this criteria. But this one is particularly perfect. Studio Ghibli really outdid itself when it created this hand-drawn watercolor masterpiece. It is based on a classic Japanese folktale, and follows a mysterious girl inside a bamboo stalk who grows into a radiant princess. The film is packed with beauty, gentle sadness, and absolutely stunning artistry; you can watch the brushstroke style animation and lose yourself in that alone.

The Handmaiden (2016)

It might come as a surprise to see a thriller on this list, but it is not just a thriller; it is a stunning and tender love story that feels like poetry. This film is at once lush, mysterious, and moving. Set in 1930s Korea, it is a detailed and dynamic tale of deception, passion, and poetic romance. The story is intricate, and the visuals are deep and rich—poetic in pretty much every way.

Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962)

This film takes place over two hours and follows the life of a French singer. The movie takes the viewer through Paris and explores art and existential anxiety, and yet, it isn’t heavy or dark. The movie somehow manages to remain light and introspective, with a character transformation that is both subtle and uplifting. It’s the perfect slice of life film, that feels like a sweet poem on a summer day.

Once Upon A Time in Anatolia (2011)

This Turkish film is more about the poetry of landscapes, conversations in the dark, and the mysteries of human nature than the crime story it claims as its plot. It’s slow cinema at its finest, where the beauty lies in the silence between words and the quiet revelations. By the end, you may not have all the answers, but your soul might just feel a little fuller.

About Endlessness (2019)

Swedish director Roy Andersson paints scenes like surreal postcards; strange, beautiful, and often deeply touching. About Endlessness reflects on the oddness of life, from small joys to aching regrets. There’s humor, melancholy, and even the occasional daydream (like two lovers floating over a bombed city). It’s gentle and dry, but full of empathy. You’ll chuckle, sigh, and maybe see life a little differently.

The Shape of Water (2017)

The love story and the cinematography are both pure poetry. With its sweeping score, green-tinged color palette, and tender performances, it’s a story about acceptance, love, and choosing compassion in a hard world. Completely and utterly spellbinding.

The post 13 Films That Feel Like Reading Poetry appeared first on Magazine.

A 20-Year-Long Borrowing Adventure

Have you ever taken a book out and kept it too long? Well, we bet you’ve not had any books for this long…

Imagine the scene: you’re sorting through old boxes in the attic, reminiscing about your crazy university days, when suddenly, you uncover a selection of books that seem oddly familiar. Opening them, you realize that they’re library books. Not only that, but they were due back 20 years ago.

That is precisely what happened to a former Oxford student who, upon realizing they had “inadvertently” held onto the books since their undergraduate years, decided it was time to return them to their rightful home.

In the hopes of placating the librarians, the student attached a heartfelt written note. The note not only expressed a sincere apology for the heavily overdue books, but also concluded with a humble plea: “Please forgive me.”

Anyone who has ever borrowed a book from the library and missed that all-important due date is familiar with the dread and the guilt that comes with it. It is a sentiment that resonates with anyone who’s ever misplaced a library book or two.

A Gracious Response

Lady Margaret Hall, the Oxford college in question, is situated on Norham Gardens in Oxford. When the books arrived, the college (fortunately!) received the overdue books and accompanying note with grace and good humor. The librarians took to Facebook to share the news, thanking the former student for “getting them back home in the end” and adding, “All is forgiven!

It warmed our hearts, and it goes to show the care and kindness that are at the core of most libraries. There is an underlying understanding and forgiveness that libraries often extend to their patrons, which we all often take for granted.

The standard fine for overdue books at the Lady Margaret Hall library is 10 pence (GBP) per day. But don’t worry, the student wouldn’t have been charged a whopping £730 — there’s a maximum charge. The maximum charge for books is £10, plus the cost of replacement for long-overdue items. However, fortunately for the patron, it appears that in this case, the library chose to waive any penalties. It seems that the return of the books, coupled with the sincere apology, was more than enough.

The Timeless Value of Books

Not only does this story highlight how understanding librarians can be, but it also highlights the value of books and the bonds we often make with them. From gripping, edge-of-your-seat novels to enlightening non-fiction work, to even cherished textbooks from the peak of our university studies—books bury themselves in our hearts and have a way of leaving a lasting impression on us. No wonder plenty of people forget that the books aren’t actually theirs!

For the former student, holding onto the books for 20 years wasn’t just about forgetfulness—it was a testament to the impact those books had on their life. The books hadn’t been cast aside the second their studies were done; they were placed away in a box, on a bookshelf, somewhere safe, for two whole decades. But now, by returning them, they ensured that future students could also benefit from their wisdom and insights.

Time to Check Your Shelves!

This tale might have ended up in our patron dodging any hefty fines, but that doesn’t mean that’s the way it ends for everyone with late books! This story should also serve as a reminder to check our own bookshelves for any borrowed books that might have been stored away and forgotten about over time.

Libraries play a crucial role in our communities — whether in schools, providing access to all-important knowledge and help, or in public libraries that foster a sense of community and a love for literacy, their value is huge. By making sure we return borrowed items, even if they’re long overdue and we’re embarrassed, we can help maintain our libraries and ensure that everyone has access to the resources they so carefully curate.

So, the moral of the story is, if you happen to stumble across a library book that has been hiding away, it’s time to take it back. And maybe write a note of apology to go with it! The chances are, you’ll be met with a laugh and a very happy librarian who is just glad to have some of their stock back!

If you’re that worried about taking back overdue books, why not post them, or pop them back through a self-serve desk if your library has one? That way, the book will find its way home, but you don’t have to admit that you missed the due date… by a few years.

The post These Library Books Were Returned 20 Years Late – Here’s What Happened Next appeared first on Magazine.

This is the thinking behind the Atlanta, Georgia-based Library Dads. These guys are a group of dedicated parents seeking to help their own kids improve their literacy and explore new adventures with reading.

It’s an inspiring project, and it’s making real waves in Atlanta right now.

The Beginning of Something Amazing

When Atlanta’s Khari Arnold became a father, he knew he wanted to create a special bond between himself and his baby daughter. But he also wanted to do something more than this – he wanted to give his daughter a gift she would keep with her throughout her whole life. This gift was a love of reading and literature.

So he began taking his daughter to the library with him, finding books she could enjoy, and then reading them aloud together. It was a joyful experience, and the pair got so much out of it that Khari decided he wanted to share this joy with the world.

He took to social media, reaching out to local dads in his area. With an Instagram reel that showcased how much fun Khari and his little daughter were having, the Library Dads group was born.

Library Link-Ups

It didn’t take long for Khari to find other like-minded fathers in the area. Local dad began joining in the fun, bringing their kids to the library and sharing in some special moments together with their fellow Atlantans.

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These sessions became known as Library Link-Ups – a chance for dads to spend quality time and do something special for the next generation.

But they also brought some unexpected positive effects.

In addition to creating special bonds with their little ones, these Atlanta dads found they were also building bonds with one another.

“One of our favorite sayings is, ‘It’s one thing to have men in your circle; it’s another thing to have men in your corner,’” Khari said. The bonds the Library Dads are creating together are already something special, but this is only the beginning.

The Future of the Library Dads

The Library Dads is still a growing project. While there has already been a great response to the group that Khari set up, there is still plenty of room for it to grow and develop. There are Library Link-Ups penciled in every other weekend across 2025, and this is likely to continue far into next year and beyond.

But Khari has hinted at far greater plans – albeit, plans that he himself might not be so closely involved in. He’s talked about how he would like to see more Library Dads chapters opening up in locations across the US, following the example of the Atlanta guys and bringing the power and positivity of the project to other locations around the country.

For this, other people will need to take the initiative. Khari has a lot on his plate back in Georgia, and he’s already done so much for his local community. But the project is so inspiring and so exciting that it’s surely going to catch on elsewhere, too.

If you’re located in the United States or anywhere else, watch this space. You might find a Library Dads session starting up somewhere near you in the not-too-distant future. Better yet, you might feel inspired enough to start one yourself.

A Truly Special Project

Passing on literacy skills to a new generation is always valuable, but in Atlanta, this is a particularly important project. A recent study found that less than half of Atlanta’s third-graders are proficient in reading, so any initiative that helps to reverse this is going to be very helpful indeed.

But the implications are even broader than this. Building bonds with kids can be tricky in the digital age, but sessions like Library Link-Ups are helping to forge lasting connections between parents and little ones. And parenting itself can be hard too, with many feeling isolated and disconnected. The opportunity to meet up on a regular basis with other dads in the local area is huge for many people.

It’s clear that this is a great project, and one with a bright future.

The post Meet the Atlanta Library Dads Helping Kids Fall in Love With Reading appeared first on Magazine.

When staff member Anna Burwell decided to bring her new rescue kitten, Benny, to work one day, no one could have predicted how quickly he’d become the literacy mascot of storytime. But with his soft paws and excitable personality, Benny now shines as vividly as his black-and-white coat as he dashes through the quiet stacks.

From Rough Starts to Quiet Stacks

Before library life, Benny’s fate was uncertain—and undeniably heartbreaking. He was rescued by the Wood County Humane Society after being discovered thrown from a truck window. At just three months old, he could have ended up lost or worse, and is very, very lucky to have been found and saved from the tarmac.

Not long after his rescue, Anna Burwell, the adult services coordinator at Swanton Public Library, decided to welcome Benny into her home. The little tuxedo cat settled in quickly, and before long, she decided to take him into work, too.

Why a Library Needs a Cat

You might wonder: what does a library cat do besides nap on open books? (Which, personally, we think is plenty, thank you very much—it’s a hard life being so cute!)

Well, Benny brings laughter, companionship, and unexpected calm to everyone around him. Since bringing him to work, Anna and her colleagues have found that he has a huge impact on the visitors of the library. Kids in storytime sessions light up when Benny pads through the rows, that is, of course, when he’s not chasing children, or more often, being chased by them, through the lowest shelf tunnels Anna left just for him.

One local reporter asked Anna what makes Benny special. Her answer? He’s “a good listener,” and that’s exactly what children need when they’re nervous about reading aloud! Benny won’t judge if they stutter or get stuck; he just likes the attention.

So, while he may not shelve books or run the circulation desk, Benny definitely has an important role to play. His job is creating a welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere. And in a library, that matters as much as quiet floors and neatly arranged fiction.

From Storytime Star to Therapy Cat Prospect

It didn’t take long for library staff, and even patrons, to consider Benny more than a novelty. They began talking about training him as a therapy cat. Imagine that: official certification so that Benny could visit schools, hospitals, or elderly-care homes to share the joy of his presence!

One interview with Anna highlighted just how much kids seem to engage with the materials more actively when Benny’s in the picture. When there’s a kitten around, suddenly books and reading feel like a playdate, than a chore.

Whether in the library or as a therapy cat, there is actual science backing up the claims that Benny is beneficial to the patrons who visit him. Cats have been linked with a higher quality of life, fewer negative emotions, reduced stress, increased trust, and even better health!

The Historical Tie Between Cats and Libraries

Of course, Swanton’s library cat isn’t the first. The tradition of feline library residents spans centuries. In medieval monasteries, cats were kept to protect manuscripts from rodents. In modern times, cats like Dewey Readmore Books, the famous Iowa library cat, have garnered international fame.

Dewey was abandoned in a library dropbox in 1988, adopted by the staff, and went on to become the subject of bestselling books and global publicity. His story underscores how deeply people love the idea of a furry friend amidst the stacks.

Today, library cats, from Ohio to Michigan to places around the world, serve as reading role models, morale boosters, and social media stars. Each one, including Benny, carries the legacy of scholarly cats past.

What the Future Holds for Benny

Right now, Benny starts each day with a sprint through his custom aisle passages, then settles down near storytime sessions like a purring guardian. He’s not officially on the payroll, but in many ways, he’s irreplaceable.

As mentioned, the library team is considering exploring therapy cat certification, backed by how much comfort Benny brings. Whether to students, seniors, or hospital patients, his gentle nature seems a perfect fit, and it would be a great addition to their community.

Until then, though, Benny will remain with Anna and his library team, where he is loved, pampered, and has all the books in the world to read.

In the meantime, Benny’s appearance at Swanton Library has caused an uptick in love for local animal charities. Donations are flowing, inspired in part by Benny’s journey from rescue to reader relief.

The post Meet the Stray Kitten Who Became a Local Legend at the Library appeared first on Magazine.

Journaling as a Tool for Self-Discovery

Life journaling isn’t meant just for writers, scholars, or artists; it is a practice accessible to all. You are the only reader; it is only your eyes that will read the lines over, if they wish to revisit them at all. The inherent beauty of life journaling is that it focuses on process, rather than the work produced. It does not need to be the best sentence you’ve ever pulled together; it can just be that on a random day in June, you felt the sun on your skin and saw a mediocre movie at the cinema. Life journaling is about your personal self-growth, your journey towards improvement.

Famous Journals and Cultural Reflections

There are many names that come to mind when we think of life journaling. Writers, mainly, but also journals, like Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, that had a profound cultural and social impact on the world. Prolific Mexican painter Frida Kahlo kept her own journal, although it probably didn’t read like our high-school musings.

It was expressive, vibrant, filled with pages of impulsive artwork that reflected the things she felt at that very moment. It was for her and her only, a liberating release of creativity and feeling that has touched many readers since its publication. She documented thoughts of great love, both in her romantic life and for her country.

She was a girl and an activist, and a lover. Since the beginning of time, humans have searched for ways to guard their histories, to keep their stories alive, to better understand ourselves and our ways of life. Life journaling remains a fervent example of the human desire to understand, to reflect.  

The Philosophy of Kaizen and Its Connection to Journaling

Kaizen is a Japanese word that best translates to ‘improvement’ or ‘change for the better’, embodying a philosophy movement around small, but continual, progress. The kaizen philosophy is mostly associated with the business world, utilized most famously by Toyota, to value employees, knowledge, and continual growth. Unlike many other professional, business-oriented philosophies, kaizen values the community, as well as participation and shared input.

Initially developed as a business model following the Second World War, kaizen grew in popularity, eventually becoming a philosophical movement that also existed outside of a business environment. It focuses not on grand, overwhelming changes, but on the small and significant actions we can implement regularly.

Mental Health Benefits of Journaling

Our brain moves fast, often attempting to process far more information than it can handle. We see big goals – becoming a celebrated author, running a marathon, finding the love of our lives –and expect ourselves to achieve them tomorrow. Like journaling, the philosophy of kaizen would tell you to take it slowly, break down the goal or thought into smaller, more palatable pieces.

Psychologists have found that journaling has a considerably positive effect on the mind; it can help us process traumatic or incredibly stressful events, as well as encourage regular mindfulness and reduce anxiety. Despite our intelligent human nature, it is undeniably difficult to process thoughts and emotions all in the confines of our minds.

Journaling gives us a framework, a blank page, a canvas where we can flesh out our thoughts like brain stems. Constant, incremental journal entries can give us a sense of control, or a sense of freedom, even where we can explore our feelings in the safe and private pages of our diaries. 

Journaling and Personal Growth: A Daily Practice

Journaling is a perfect exploration of the kaizen philosophy; it is a form of fostering continual improvement and prioritizing sustained self-awareness. It is a small moment, perhaps even ten minutes a day, that affords us time to reflect, note down our memories so they do not escape us. The content can be funny, make you laugh, or cry, or smile at its banality.

Helen Fielding’s hit novel, Bridget Jones’s Diary, encapsulates this range of emotions through the adventures of her protagonist, Bridget Jones. Jones uses her journaling to outline her goals, and little by little, readers notice her personal transformation, her growing sureness of herself, and her needs. This stream-of-consciousness-style novel mirrors the type of freedom and spontaneity synonymous with reflective journaling and emphasizes our imperfect humanity.  

For all we know, we have one shot at life, and it is ours to live. Our experiences and the way we feel are most important to ourselves. No matter how good your memory, there are details we will forget from the moments we’ve lived, details that may make all the difference. So, for today, maybe you should start small. As small, perhaps, as putting a pen to paper.

The post What Journaling and an Old Japanese Philosophy Have in Common appeared first on Magazine.

B2 Hotel Zürich (Switzerland)

Though housed in a former brewery, B2 Hotel Zürich makes the most of its 130 years of history by presenting a polished blend of industrial design and modern comfort. And, most importantly for book lovers around the world, it has a beautiful library/restaurant/meeting space with over 30,000 volumes on the shelves lining the room.

With wooden tables and a charmingly eclectic mix of chairs, the impression the library gives is distinctive and elegant, but not stuffy, possibly thanks to the beer bottle chandelier keeping the atmosphere in check.

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Library Hotel (New York City, USA)

Snug between the New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal, the Library Hotel is the place for bibliophiles to stay in New York City. Each floor is themed according to the Dewey Decimal System, and each room comes with artwork and dozens of books related to its floor’s specific topic.

Not only that, but guests get 24-hour access to a reading room stocked with refreshments and over 6,000 books, plus a rooftop bar with literary-themed cocktails and city views.

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‍Hakone Honbako (Japan)

Surrounded by nature, Hakone Honbako is a minimalist Japanese-style inn centered around the joy of reading. Rather than expend its energy and resources on luxuries or extensive amenities, this hotel focuses its heart and soul on its 12,000-strong library and on providing a peaceful space away from the noise of daily life for people to lose themselves in a good book.

Though most of the library collection is in Japanese, it contains a decent English-language section across multiple genres. That includes a few things about the local area, sure to be useful for travelers visiting Hakone for the first time.

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The Heathman Hotel (Portland, USA)

This historic boutique hotel opened in the Roaring ’20s, and from the outside, it looks more like an old-timey cinema than a hotel. However, that’s just part of its charm—the other part being its library, filled with almost 3,000 signed books. And yes, according to the hotel’s website, each and every one is signed by its author. Impressive, to say the least!

Though the building is older, the guest rooms underwent an upgrade back in 2018, so you can rest assured you’ll find every modern comfort needed during your stay.

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The Hotel Emma (San Antonio, USA)

You wouldn’t know it by looking at its grand, almost castle-like façade, but like B2 Hotel Zürich, the Hotel Emma is a former brewery, originally built in the late 19th century. Located in San Antonio, Texas, it has 146 rooms and authentic distillery machinery.

The hotel also boasts an elegant, two-story library (and former fermenting cellars), where guests are served complimentary margaritas. It’s perfect for those who like a little booze with their books, and also on-point theme honoring Hotel Emma’s roots.

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L’oscar London (UK)

If you’re tired of former breweries, try this former church for a change of pace. Built in opulent Baroque style, L’oscar London is a luxury boutique hotel showcasing high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, carved fireplaces, and lavish interiors.

Its restaurant is no exception to the extravagance, the walls are lined with bookcases filled with old tombs, adding a bit of literary charm to the decadence of plush sofas and delicious food.

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The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel (Portugal)

The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel truly lives up to its name, going all out by filling every corner with enough books to make even the finickiest of readers happy. Set in a 19th-century former convent near Óbidos Castle, you can settle into a reading lounge with one of the many volumes lining the shelves, or grab from a stack of texts right in your guest room.

Even its restaurant, Book & Cook, adds a bit of fun by having each menu item inspired by a different author. All in all, it makes for a charming stay in this medieval book town.

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Wine & Books Porto (Portugal)

Located in Porto’s historic UNESCO World Heritage center, Wine & Books Hotel offers spacious, elegant rooms and a unique wine & books club tailored for wine and book lovers alike. Those who join get access to a newsletter recommending a curated selection of local Portuguese authors translated into English and other languages, plus suggestions of fine wines found in Portugal.

Overall, the hotel offers an air of sophistication and comfort that’s well worth partaking in, whether you join its book club or not.

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NoMad London (UK)

Packed with a special blend of contemporary art and vintage furniture, NoMad London is a unique blend of past and present. Adding to the list of hotels in a former something-or-other, NoMad is a bit unique in that it used to be a police station and courthouse, though you wouldn’t know it from the marble bathrooms and plush beds.

Of note is the hotel’s library lounge, filled with rare texts and art books—a perfect place to relax in between sightseeing.

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Hotel 1928 (USA)

Set in Waco, Texas, Hotel 1928 is rich in local history, housed in the former Grand Karem Shrine Building. With a beautiful brick façade, this hotel offers three distinct restaurants, a rooftop terrace with city views, and a grand ballroom.

Most importantly, it has a gorgeous library, complete with a long, elegant staircase, cozy armchairs, a fireplace, and red Persian carpeting. Complete with rows of books, it’s a great space to while away the time in.

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Lamp Light Books Hotel Sapporo (Japan)

Lamp Light Books Hotel has multiple locations across Japan, each of which has a bookstore open to guests 24 hours a day, along with a book café. The latter is ideal for visitors who want to browse the collection at their leisure while enjoying a light meal and coffee. Guests who are staying at the hotel can even borrow a book to read in their room.

The Sapporo branch is notable for its clean, modern look in its guest rooms, contrasting with the old-world brick wall vibe in other areas of the hotel.

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Shiba Park Hotel (Japan)

What with being so close to Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, this particular book-themed hotel has a lot to recommend it aside from offering a unique literary experience. Its occasional Zen sense of style also lends it a lot of charm, as it’s often a treat for the eyes.

That being said, Shiba Park Hotel will be of special interest to bibliophiles everywhere, thanks to its curated library spread throughout the guest rooms and common areas. It’s a great way to discover a new favorite title by pure happenstance.

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Hotel Not Hotel (Amsterdam)

Though this particular hotel is more art-focused than anything else, it still has a lot to offer book lovers (and mystery lovers in general), thanks to the rooms hidden behind bookshelves in its lobby library.

Hotel Not Hotel in Amsterdam touts itself as something of a combination of museum and hotel, and prides itself on its unique design throughout the buildings. Its individual guest rooms, especially, are like works of art, each with its own creative spin.

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The Ned NoMad NYC (USA)

Set in a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts building with decor inspired by the Roaring ’20s, the Ned NoMad in New York City is a luxury boutique hotel featuring a rooftop terrace and multiple restaurants sure to please any weary traveler.

For book lovers, it offers the additional bonus of a library bar in the back of one of the restaurants. With lush furniture, dark wooden shelving, and ambient lighting, it’s a great place to relax and escape the bustle of the city while still enjoying its creature comforts.

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La Réserve Paris (France)

Just off Paris’s famous Champs-Élysées stands La Réserve Paris, a meticulously restored mansion from the 1800s. Though not large, it makes the most of its space by decking out its 40 guest rooms and suites in silk, oak, and marble. The interior design is a loving mix of historic architecture and modern convenience, topped with stellar service.

The highlight is, of course, the Duc de Morny Library, a lounge lined with a curated selection of 3,000 books, including rare first editions. Here, guests can read, dine, or enjoy a quiet drink amidst rich woodwork and velvet furnishings.

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Maxwell Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection (Singapore)

Talk about opulence, this century-old Colonial-style hotel makes some royal palaces look modest. This place is adorned with vintage rugs, velvet seating, mahogany furniture, and luscious Western bathrooms.

The hotel’s literary flavor comes in one of its restaurants, Cultivate Cafe, which specializes in plant-based, vegan food in an elegant setting. The mirrored ceiling reflecting the bookshelves and chic hanging lamps is also a very nice touch.

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L’Escape Hotel (South Korea)

If you’re hoping for a bit of Paris while in South Korea, you’re in luck with L’Escape Hotel. Designed by a French architect, this hotel offers a one-of-a-kind pocket of 19th-century France in the heart of Seoul (complete with modern amenities, of course.)

One of its most lovingly designed rooms is a French salon-style lounge where you’re surrounded by books in luxurious Belle Époque decor. With a grand piano and gilded chandeliers, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time to another country for a quick literary escape.

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Santo Mauro Hotel (Spain)

While not strictly speaking a literary hotel, this former ducal home in Madrid, Spain, boasts an impressive library-turned-restaurant, La Biblioteca. With tall bookcases and intricate detailing, it’s truly an elegant spot to eat while being surrounded by vintage, leather-bound volumes.

It’s also just an all-around beautiful hotel, with historically preserved architecture, gorgeous common areas with high ceilings, and a private garden featuring fountains and terraces.

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La Siesta Classic Hang Thung (Vietnam)

For an authentic taste of Vietnamese culture mixed in with literary flair, look no further than La Siesta Classic Hang Thung. This 12-story hotel has an interior that blends traditional Vietnamese design with modern elements, making for a space that’s both timeless and beautiful.

Fellow bookworms will be excited to visit the Library Lounge, the hotel’s very own book bar, which has a wall lined with books and contemporary art pieces that are sure to catch the eye.

Torel Palace Porto (Portugal)

Torel Palace Porto takes a bit of a different approach. This palace, built in 1861, commemorates Portugal’s literary culture by naming its 24 rooms and suites after famous local writers and poets. Each guest room is also decorated according to its assigned writer, often with a portrait in their honor.

In addition, Torel Palace has an on-site patisserie lined with books and knick-knacks. It has a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere sure to make any bookworm feel at home.

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Santo Mauro Hotel

Once a 19th-century French mansion belonging to a duke, Santo Mauro has since been transformed into a luxury hotel that retains much of its historic charm. Of special interest to fellow literary lovers out there is the duke’s extravagant personal library that has been converted into an elegantly appointed restaurant, bookcases intact.

It also has all the modern amenities one might hope for in a hotel. It’s a pleasant mix of gorgeous architecture and convenient comfort.

Location: Calle de Zurbano, 36, Chamberí, 28010 Madrid, Spain

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AIDA Books & More Madrid

This charity bookstore is run by volunteers and supports educational and cultural development projects around the world. They sell secondhand, donated books across all genres, from history and philosophy to literature. Much of the collection is in Spanish, but there’s a decent selection of English-language books as well, plus foreign works translated into Spanish.

AIDA has three locations across Madrid. Their shop in the Salamanca neighborhood is smallish but cozy, manned by people who care very much about the causes they’re supporting.

Location: C. de Claudio Coello, 112, Salamanca, 28006 Madrid, Spain

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Biblioteca Nacional de España

Founded in 1711, the Biblioteca Nacional de España is not just the biggest library in Spain, but one of the biggest in the world. With an intricate facade reminiscent of the Neoclassical style that would come to fruition in the mid-18th century, these historically preserved halls hold over 30 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, and photographs.

Entry is free; the library as a whole is set up more like a book museum where you get to browse ancient texts and marvel at impressive architecture.

Location: P.º de Recoletos, 20-22, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain

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Antonio Machado Bookshop

This half-century-old bookshop is a cornerstone of Madrid’s literary scene. During the country’s Francoist dictatorship, it served as an invaluable hub for intellectuals and artists. Even nowadays, it’s the go-to venue for many local authors, frequently hosting book signings.

Being spread across two stories, it contains a sizable Spanish collection along with a decent English section. It’s also notable for having one of the largest children’s and young adult sections in Madrid.

Location: Pl. de las Salesas, 11, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain

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Tipos Infames

For those looking to slake both a literary and literal thirst, Tipos Infames is where you want to go. This bookstore features both a wine bar and café, making it a great casual meet-up point for book lovers far and wide.

The shop’s book collection focuses primarily on contemporary literary fiction and is entirely in Spanish. It also regularly plays host to a variety of events—not just the typical literary ones that you might expect of any decent independent bookstore, but also wine tastings. (The wine bar isn’t just for show, after all!)

Location: C. de San Joaquín, 3, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain

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Libros Para un Mundo Mejor

Libros Para un Mundo Mejor is a cute little escape known for its comfortable atmosphere, crafts, and resident black cat. It sells secondhand books, particularly those on personal growth and spiritual topics, in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, and Italian. In addition, it has a nice selection of merchandise, from trinkets to T-shirts.

Not only that, this quaint, independent bookshop offers a variety of literary workshops and classes. It’s beautifully and lovingly decorated, making for a pleasant stop.

Location: C. del Espíritu Santo, 13, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain

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Librería Pérez Galdós

Named after the famed Spanish author, Librería Pérez Galdós has been around since 1942. (And it’s not even the oldest bookstore in Madrid—more on that later.) As is fitting for such a well-aged shop, it keeps its pulse on rare, out-of-print, and antique books, making it the perfect place for collectors to gather.

Filled with stacks upon stacks of Spanish vintage books on poetry, classical literature, and more, it has a pleasing, old-world charm.

Location: C/ de Hortaleza, 5, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain

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La Central de Callao

La Central de Callao is a major independent bookstore known for its vast selection of over 70,000 books on pretty much every topic under the sun: philosophy, history, social sciences, art, comics, literature, and children’s books. Its collection also comes in multiple languages, including English.

Housed in a 19th-century mansion, this bookstore also features a café-restaurant and cocktail bar, and regularly hosts cultural events.

Location: C. del Postigo de San Martín, 9, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain

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Librería San Ginés

Here’s a hole in the wall you don’t want to miss. Librería San Ginés is one of the oldest bookstores in Spain, having been established in the 17th century. Its shopping area is entirely outdoors, marked by a wooden storefront/stall with a short, ceramic-tiled roof jutting out of a larger brick building.

Its outdoor bookcases and tables piled high with secondhand texts make it immediately recognizable, and it’s a favorite for discovering unique and rare books.

Location: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 2, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain

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Iván de Vargas Library

Despite its blunt granite facade, Iván de Vargas Library has a surprisingly calming and welcoming interior. Opened in 2011, its reading and work rooms are spacious and light-filled, offering an ideal space either for study or relaxation.

Of special note is its beautiful inner courtyard with an almost zen-like arrangement of trees, stones, and outdoor furnishings. It blends together well, creating a pocket of peace in the bustling city.

Location: C. de San Justo, 5, Centro, 28005 Madrid, Spain

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Ateneo de Madrid Library

The Ateneo de Madrid Library, founded in 1835, is a private research library with a collection of around 350,000 items, including monographs, pamphlets, newspapers, and scientific journals. Its extensive wealth of information makes it an invaluable resource for researchers. But for the average lay person, its most notable feature is its vast reading room lined with multi-story bookcases and the uniquely elegant design of Ateneo de Madrid as a whole.

You need to buy a day pass in order to enter, or just straight up get a membership if you’re a researcher planning to visit regularly.

Location: C. del Prado, 21, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

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Miguel Miranda Bookstore

This antiquarian bookshop is located in the heart of Madrid’s Literary Quarter. Founded in 1949, it was named after a famous playwright and possesses an elegant, almost regal interior dominated by an intricate spiral staircase. The antique clocks, poised paintings, and wooden furniture only add to the shop’s historic charm.

It’s renowned for its collection of rare and antiquarian books. Most is in Spanish, but if you do a bit of digging, you can find a decent number of texts in English, French, and German.

Location: C. de Lope de Vega, 19, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

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The Secret Kingdoms

This family-run bookshop is Madrid’s largest 100% English-language bookstore, offering over 20,000 books across a wide array of genres. It’s especially notable because it’s one of the few bookstores in Madrid that sells new English-language titles rather than just secondhand, making it a magnet for literature-starved English speakers in the city.

The shop’s interior is bright and inviting, with plenty of space for the many events it hosts, particularly its book club and writer’s club.

Location: C. de Moratín, 7, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

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Biblioteca Casón del Buen Retiro (Museo del Prado)

Part of the Museo del Prado, the Biblioteca Casón del Buen Retiro is an art library specializing in European art history from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The library holds loads of books, plus auction catalogues, audiovisual materials, and plenty of rare works.

Its reading room is probably the most famous, though. If you chance a look up, you might just get stunned speechless by an 18th-century ceiling fresco gorgeous enough to rival the Sistine Chapel.

Location: Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

Cuesta de Moyano

For a bit of a breath of fresh air (and I mean that quite literally), head to Cuesta de Moyano—Madrid’s very own open-air book market. Seated next to Retiro Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens, this market has been going on for a century on this charming cobblestone street.

Recently renovated to block off vehicle access, this pedestrian-friendly path maintains a picturesque charm, plain to see in the painted wooden stalls selling new, secondhand, rare, and out-of-print books.

Location: Cuesta de Moyano, C. Claudio Moyano, 19, Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain

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Biblioteca Escuelas Pías (UNED)

As a former 18th-century church, the Escuelas Pías Library came pre-fitted with elaborate, almost reverent architecture with high ceilings and enormous arches. Though at one point destroyed and abandoned, it was restored at the end of the 1900s to become one of the most gorgeous libraries in Madrid.

It’s actually the university library of the UNED Associated Center, but luckily, it’s open to the public with free visits during limited hours.

Location: C. del Sombrerete, 15, Centro, 28012 Madrid, Spain

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Rafael Alberti Bookstore

This 50-year-old bookshop, known by many locals as “la Alberti,” is a neighborhood staple. Bibliophiles flock to this shop not only for its diverse book collection but also for its lively literary events. These include author meetings, book presentations, poetry readings, and more.

While it seems to only have Spanish-language books on offer, its stylish interior design and friendly, welcoming staff are enough to lift anyone’s spirits. It also has a colorful, dedicated children’s section sure to delight any young reader.

Location: C. del Tutor, 57, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain

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The IPCE Library (Spanish Cultural Heritage Institute)

The Spanish Cultural Heritage Institute (or IPCE, according to its name in Spanish) stands out with its spiked, multi-tiered roof, known aptly as the “crown of thorns.” Belonging to the University City of Madrid, it houses roughly 45,000 books on art, restoration, and cultural heritage, distributed across the three concentric rings of its unique interior design.

It welcomes researchers and the general public upon reservation and is considered one of the most unique libraries in Madrid.

Location: C. Pintor el Greco, 4, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28040 Madrid, Spain

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If you’ve ever met a person from Denmark, you may notice they really appreciate their quality time, always making the most of each day they live. This isn’t just a coincidence; the Danes take this sense of mindfulness so seriously that they have a whole philosophy built around it: the philosophy of ‘hygge.’

Hygge: The Danish Secret to Happiness

Hygge, pronounced as hoo-ga, is not just a word, but a way of life in Danish culture.   

It encapsulates an undeniable feeling of coziness, think warm fireplaces, a hot drink warming your hands, and some old friends or family sharing pleasant conversation. Hygge is a part of the Danish lifestyle that brings about a conviviality, boosting the well-being of those experiencing it. While it remains not entirely definable, to ‘hygge’ correctly, one must try and exclude the outside world a little and focus on yourself and the people you love.

You could practice a favorite hobby, go for a walk in the park, or even invite some friends over for dinner. Denmark is undeniably a beautiful country, but it is often cold, grey, and somewhat gloomy in terms of the weather. It is no wonder, then, that the Danish people celebrate so fervently the happiness they get from getting cozy, from prioritizing hygge in their everyday lives.

Practicing Hygge in Daily Life

In a world caught up with immediacy, this Danish philosophy of hygge strips it back to the simple things that sometimes slip through our fingers.  We have our phrases at the ready, say that we have no time for ourselves, that perhaps we’ll find time next week, or the week after that. Often, that time never comes, and we are caught in a constant state of longing but feeling too guilty to indulge in quality time.

The beauty of the ‘hygge’ way of life is that it is doable, and incorporating this way of thinking into our habits can make our lives feel richer and more satiated. Although it is a lifestyle that can be practiced both indoors and outdoors, most people associate hygge with the coziness and warmth of the interior. Perhaps you want to create a space that feels a little more ethereal and exciting, so you put up twinkling fairy lights and light a sweet-smelling candle – in doing so, you’d be arguably embodying the hygge lifestyle.

Another Lesson in Scandinavian Wellbeing: Friluftsliv

Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen is known to have invented the term ‘friluftsliv’, even though it was undoubtedly practiced long before his existence. Directly translated into ‘open-air-living’, it is a philosophy around the wellbeing gained from being outside in nature. If it sounds simple, it is because it is, and for Norwegians, this is kind of the point.

There have been countless studies linking the mental and physical benefits of spending more time in nature, benefits like a better working memory, stress reduction, and attention restoration.  Humans were undoubtedly meant to be more connected to the natural world than we are today, and it is no surprise that psychology reiterates this same message.

Is Hygge Only an Indoor Lifestyle?

Although hygge may often be thought of as a strictly indoor activity, plenty of Danes would argue that this is not the case. Like many words-turned-philosophies, hygge is more about an approach to life than a set of specific, unmovable actions. Like friluftsliv, the hygge way of living is focused on simple actions that prioritize our wellbeing with connection, be it to people, nature, or even yourself.

Walking around a nearby body of water, taking a hike with your partner, or spending some time gardening alone are all forms of the hygge lifestyle. Whatever you think, both philosophies share an underlying and powerful message: we need to create peaceful environments that encourage presence, well-being, and mindfulness.

Joy in the Journey: Embracing What Matters Most

Joy is too often characterized as this pot at the end of the rainbow, as this thing one can achieve after struggling and working hard over a long period of time. Joy should be simpler than that. If we only focus on big, long-term goals, we may just forget how to live and enjoy our world in the meantime. During the journey.

If we were to consider what things were important to us, we would discuss our families, our partners, our friends, as well as our hobbies and interests. These are the things that make our life worth living, that we wake up thinking about and go to sleep dreaming of. Isn’t it time to make our dreams a part of our reality?

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So today, on the great man’s birthday, we revisit his glorious – and yet also tragic and mysterious – story, and we reflect upon his remarkable body of work.

Early Years and Beginnings as a Writer

The Saint-Exupéry family has a long and storied history and is part of France’s aristocratic tradition. So Antoine did not have what you might call humble beginnings, though the family was not exactly wealthy either.

The death of Antoine’s father in 1904 left the family financially unstable, though the youngster was still able to pursue a respectable education up until the age of 18. This is when things went a little awry, as Antoine was twice rejected from the naval academy, and failed to graduate from art school.

The military was his saviour,  and Antoine trained as a pilot before a crash near Le Bourget led to him leaving the service. He did not lose his love of flying, however, and penned a novella, The Aviator, which reflected his passion for aeronautics. This was followed by his first book, Southern Mail – a novel based on his time spent as an air courier over the Sahara.

Literary Stardom and a Return to the Air

Another aviation-themed novel, 1931’s Night Flight, cemented Antoine’s position as a real literary talent. It won him the prestigious Prix Femina and made his name known on France’s cultural scene.

By now, he wasn’t simply writing about flying anymore. He was writing and flying. Since 1929, he’d been working as director of Aeroposta Argentina, mapping and surveying air routes in South America, and even flying search and rescue missions after the company’s planes went down.

Following the publication of Night Flight, Antoine married Conseulo Suncin de Sandoval, a writer and artist from El Salvador. Their life together was a tempestuous one, made more so by the gathering clouds of war that were beginning to gather over Europe.

Back in his native France, when Germany invaded in 1940, the 39-year-old Saint Exupéry understood what was required of him. As an experienced flier with a military background, he was the ideal choice to serve as a reconnaissance pilot. But this phase of the war did not last long. One week before his 40th birthday, Antoine saw his country sign a humiliating armistice with Germany, and fall into occupation and division.

Exile and The Little Prince

After the French surrender, Antoine and Consuelo fled to North America. Failing to convince the Americans to join the war in Europe, Saint-Exupéry began a prolific period of writing. He was a distinguished voice among France’s growing expatriate resistance movement, but he was about to become something else – a celebrated children’s author.

The Little Prince was written in the summer and autumn of 1942 and is the work for which Antoine is still best known to this day.

A melancholy and moving tale, The Little Prince focuses on the diminutive title character, who travels throughout the cosmos visiting several planets.

While the prose is enchanting, it is also remarkably poignant. Loneliness and loss emerge repeatedly in the book, written at a time when its author was in exile from his home country and suffering significant personal and health difficulties of his own.

As the book was published, the 42-year-old Saint-Exupéry found himself unable to endure the sense of stasis any longer. With the Americans now involved in the war in North Africa, Antoine joined them, returning to the continent where he’d had many an adventure as a peacetime flier.

Disappearance and Legacy

Saint-Exupéry was a capable airman, but he was also sometimes careless. He was known to take novels, and sometimes even a notebook, with him when flying, so he could pursue his love of literature while in the air.

Whether this contributed to what happened on July 31st, 1944, we cannot know. Antoine’s mental and physical health was in serious decline by this point, and the situation surrounding his final flight is complex.

What we do know is that Antoine’s plane came down somewhere in the Mediterranean, and no trace of the beloved pilot and author was found, until a fisherman on France’s Riou island found an identification bracelet belonging to Antoine in 1998, over half a century after his disappearance.

A remarkable career and a fascinating life had been tragically cut short. While the legacy Antoine left behind cannot make up for a life lost so young, it has brought comfort and wonder to millions of readers across the world. And that is something we can all be grateful for.

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