As a Finnish woman, I dated a foreigner and he was amazed that I am such an honest person, said that it's so rare. I just want peace and a happy life, playing games and deceiving wont get me there.
I am the same way, but I am American and live in America, and it is not only challenging af but feels like the most immense burden and like you are alone and not safe at all. You never meet other genuine people. Everyone has an agenda, and your kindness is repaid with hate and theft. Humanity is lacking, and you get ridiculed and ostracized for being a sensitive, caring person. It is a quite hellish experience living here.
@@1YzeWhoaman6821wow, where do you live? I love it here in the US. I do not find it “hellish” at all. Try moving to a small Midwest town where most people espouse the same guidelines described in this video.
Broadly: 1. Make work just part of your life 2. Enjoy nature 3. Less is more - simplify 4. Live in, or design, a calm environment 5. Live with integrity and maintain healthy boundaries 6. Make a habit of finishing worthwhile projects/ activities 7. Be present and make every minute count 8. Solitude - see 4 &5 9. Silence - see 8 10. Create your safe, creative, relaxing, space 11. Community, collaboration and environmental responsibility 12. Quiet choices of peace and harmony over status and social comparisons So that you can thrive, not just survive, and experience psychological well-being.
I'm a born and raised US citizen, and often feel like the world just isn't made for someone like me. Watching this video made me realize that it's not the world that's not; but my culture is. I felt such a sense of relief just imagining living in a Nordic environment. You touched on pretty much everything that stresses me out about my current life.
i think we all feel like this in the US, where money is our ultimate value. Our entire existence is to enrich already wealthy people and then we are told that we haven't worked hard enough or aren't smart enough. Scandinavia in general values community and individual well being.
I also feel the same way. There’s so much unneeded pressure, stress, and stimulation in the American lifestyle. Hopefully I can visit Scandinavia one day and understand the solace it brings.
#actuallyautistic person here 🙋🏻♀️ I lived in Estonia for a year, and the level of quiet & personal space was indeed heavenly… but sometimes lonely. Friends brilliant enough to speak English well enough to be friends with me were busy doing all the things their brain made it possible for them to do. but yes, it’s very quiet there. 😌
Same here and the ‘sensitive personality disorder’ Nordic countries refer to is actually just autism. I’m not sure if it’s stigmatised there but so many Nordic autists are diagnosed as being sensitive. It’s kinda funny but it’s got to be harmful to the misdiagnosed.
I am an American woman. As I get older I am noticing how loud everybody is here. Even in my own household. The tv is on, their phones are playing videos and they’re talking. It’s overwhelming. I crave some quiet time. Your video was lovely and calming. 😊
Eating in an American restaurant is a nightmarish experience after you've been in Europe long enough. Sure, the food and service may be great, but why is it so LOUD???!!! Loud pop music playing with hundreds of people yelling over each other. It's ridiculous. I'm still traumatized by eating at a steak house in Dallas. Food was great sure, but wow the noise. The only other people I've run into in the world that are as loud as Americans is Italians.
We Americans are something else. Loud, opinionated, and PERSISTENT. It never stops! Never! There is always something being pushed down our throats, and NOTHING is ever good enough 😂 It has made me schziod in the past 10 years. I want to pack up and move to Andalucia Spain.
@@s.c.johnson2484 It is our nature. You'd just complain about stuff wherever you move to, I know I do. On the other hand people who just accept things no matter how crummy they may be are also a problem.
Yes, emphatically. Also, imho, the cold has a two-fold benefit on the society: 1. they are more habituated to interdependence for survival, and 2. they have to hunker down indoors for warmth, somewhat isolated from one another, and are more used to solitary hours (whereas solitude can induce panic in those who live in places where being around people most of the time is the norm).
I lived in Nova Scotia, Canada for nearly 3 years and loved every moment of it. When we had to move back to the United States, I felt overwhelmed with everything and everyone. People in the US are "ME, ME, ME" focused, very few actually care about others and they are so impatient. It feels like everyone here is stressed and/or pissed off. It makes me not want to go anywhere. I truly miss the calm, quiet, beauty, peace, and abundant nature found in Nova Scotia. I also miss having fewer people around me. It was the first time, in many years, I actually felt safe when I lived there.
As an American, I’d love to leave here, especially since the 2024 election. But with so much family here, I’m staying. My compromise has been to move to a quieter community in a new state that isn’t quite as insane as the place I was from. Something is better than nothing. I would also add that there are millions of kind, thoughtful Americans. We just don’t make the evening news.
American here. You couldn't be more accurate. Entitlement and selfishness are everywhere around here. Honestly, I can't wait to become an ex-pat someday.
Whenever I think of America I shudder and am glad that I do not live there, but when I meet individual Americans (I live in Australia), I find them to be the nicest people.
It would be impossible to categorize all Americans under one definition. We are the great melting pot, and there are a variety of people all across our country. If you want to be in a quieter place, you have to be willing to put up with the inconveniences of rural living. I have lived in Montana, North Dakota and now live in Wyoming, the least populated state of the lower 49. I would not say anybody here is in a great hurry nor in the other two states either. Unless they’re tourists from somewhere else!
Nice video. My Swedish friend once joked to me that after the pandemic restrictions were lifted, the Swedes stopped their mandatory 2m distance separation from each other, and went back to their usual pre-pandemic separation of 3m!!
I set up on a beach with my kids about 3 meters from a woman by herself and she complained that we were too close to her. Of course...you know what I told her.
Love the idea of no scents and hardly noticeable music. Can’t imagine how much would l love that calm vibe. Loud music and strong fragrance carry a cheap feel. Wish more people knew this.
Here in America we just celebrated Thanksgiving. I went to my family's gathering and sat for hours without saying a word, and no one even noticed. They were too busy talking over one another to even listen to anything else. It was stressful. I enjoy people, but very much enjoy my solitude.
U.S. is totally screwed up. No boundaries to work and office managers expect work is given preference over life. Trickle down corporate greed pits Just stress at the bottom most worker. And everything else is just so stressful
The silence in conversation part got me. I HATE getting interrupted and so I always try to avoid interrupting others but this usually results in me just sitting quietly while others talk. I almost always have things to say yet somehow I’m “the quiet one”
Similarly, I get frustrated when people just talk incessantly about nothing, just to feel like 'we're talking' - take it slow so I can figure out what's really important rather than feeling like I'm being shot at with a machine gun.
I'm an American. Throughout my life, I've naturally gravitated towards many of these habits and principles. I'm a reserved, private person who respects my own boundaries as well as the boundaries of others. I value a good work-life balance. I have to have a constant connection to nature. I love being solitary and quiet, especially out in nature. I keep my home a peaceful, uncluttered, relaxing space. It wasn't until I was in my 40's that I found out through a DNA ancestry test that I'm 1/4 Scandinavian, and met my best friend who is Finnish! I always had a sense that I should've been born in some wide, quiet, northern forest country. I guess our blood and bones always know the truth of who we are :)
I like peace and quiet too. I hate going into a shop or restaurant and having to listen to loud music. I took a DNA test and found a large proportion of my ancestry was Scandinavian to my surprise.
I was told by my Celtic Mystic Teacher Ger Lyons, an amazing man, and Soul, from Ireland, to move where my blood and bones are from, so I did. I was born in California to a Scottish father, who died when I was 11, so I never got to live in Scotland. From Maui, Hawaii, after 15 years living my dreams there, (working in Permaculture and Regenerative Farming Community Design) , I moved to the very western most Outer Hebrides, on The Isle of Lewis, where I can hear the storm, the loud, violent and whistling winds, and harsh rain pelting my windows all day today and even now (22:18). I am so happy!!! I found out I have Scottish roots going all the way back to Nordic Viking ancestors a thousand years ago. I spent 4 months in Orkney researching my family tree, and found this line from Clouston, back and back to Havard "Klo" (The Claw). It is an amazing thing to live where my bones and blood are from. I do feel better than I have ever felt being here, staring out at the storm. It feels like Home. I was always hiding in the shade, before living here.
I am Spanish from Madrid, and I moved to Stockholm a few years ago. Early on when I was living there, I took a trip to Finland and I thought it was soooo boring haha But after living in the nordics two years, I came back to Madrid and it was totally overwhelming, the metro almost made me have panic attacks, the streets had people everywhere, all the time... I now live in a calmer neighbourhood in Madrid and barely go to the city center, it is awfully full with tourists anyway so it doesnt feel authentic anymore. What I miss the most from my life in Stockholm is that I lived 5 minutes walking from a beautiful forest with a lake/archipielago. I saw deer often, it was so crazy to me to see wild animals, living only 15 minute away from the city centre by metro. I really miss having a dose of nature everyday
Yo crecí en una casa en el bosque y las primeras veces que fuí a Barcelona me daba miedo salir a la calle. Siempre he sabido que necesito no vivir en el centro pero me ha costado muchos años aprender que puedo ser más feliz aspirando a la estabilidad que al entusiasmo.
@@ConnectionIsLost it was winter wonderland indeed ! take bus 40 and go visit the students in Lappis (Stora Lappkärrsberget) and ask directions to Lappis beach
@@belenlg5978Djurgården ok, try to take a visit to other places and enjoy the enrichment of every new culture! I can recommend: Skärholmens Centrum a late cozy evening, visit Sätra Badet in the evenings or Alby Centrum. STHLMS Central is nice also! There you can enjoy our new Afghans ;) And why not make a trip to the North and visit Kista or the other exiting places. :D
I would add that my experience in American culture changed when I moved from the big city to a small, rural coastal community in SW Washington state. Much stronger sense of community, nature, kindness here.
When my Swedish ancestors came to the U.S., they found places to enjoy nature. My great grandfather built a cottage near a lake, my other grandparents put up a camp every summer at the beach. I now have a small cabin at a lake where I spend four months a year. We leave the doors wide open all day, and at night we sleep in a tent near the water's edge. We have neighbors, but there are 140 acres of woods behind us. It's heaven.
I live in the USA, people will say they want this but refuse to make changes in their lives and behavior so they refuse to live it ! There is so much greed, selfishness, self pity, abuse and neglect that even the good well intentioned people become guarded to protect themselves. It’s a viscous circle !
@@jackflanagle6079can I ask how you left? I read up on getting a visa and also got denied for residential permit in Canada. Apparently you have to have a degree or a job in the country. I have two kids and I hate living in the US as a mom. My soul needs to leave..
I am a foreigner living in Finland who have come to value all of these. I love it here ❤ I am now learning to talk less and not see the silence in conversations as awkward 😊
Pls can you share some tips how to move to Finaland as a foreigner? I am american citizen I can’t wait get out of here, I love Finaland pls can you share how did you move there?
I hate loud music in public spaces (stores/cafes/etc.). I make a habit of asking the manager to have it turned down, and the employees are always SO grateful!
We live in Northern Manitoba, Canada. Lakes, rivers, and boreal forests surround it. Real estate is cheap; we don’t feel our mortgage payments. Spending time at the campsite at the lake in the summer and skiing, skating, and sliding in the winter is excellent. Unfortunately, the region has social issues that are not too bad. 5-10 minutes to get around the city. I know that for career- and business-minded people, it’s not a place, but we are different. We want to have enough to live and an opportunity to help others; wealth and riches for the sake of more $$$ are not our priorities. Thank you for sharing the beautiful Nordic principle that resonates with our family values.
This is the way. Take note that the majority of the top 10 on the happiness index are some of the most non-religious countries in the world. Common decency, respect, and living in balance and harmony actually work. Who would have thought?! Excellent video!
Nothing to do with religion. You’re talking horse sh:t. Greece, Italy, Taiwan, Okinawa Japan, South Sea Islands, etc. all very happy and all religious or have cultures based on religious philosophy like Confucianism. I’m also curious, once clowns like you have banned religion, who will feed the poor, adopt children, care for the disease ridden?!?! Well, who??? Are you? You’re very young but better to get the facts right. 4.5 billion Asians, go on travel there and tell me they don’t have it figured out. All based on their religious beliefs. I can go on. STOP WATCHING CNN!!!
Religion is founded on division, and then there were the centuries of atrocities, and the usurping of sacred dates and celebrations, renaming them, rebuilding square temples on our healing-energy-circles, and telling tales from a book we never needed to know love, and respect and reverence for God, instead of living the truth:we are nature, so happy in nature as it is our natural habitat, all of it. No church required. I love love, God and Nature, and feel very much that religion is harming our humanity, as it denies the truth of its history of harm, genocide, and division, in the name of a God that is not God. God is Love.
Even in Birmingham UK there are those of us who live by this mindset. I am in the process of decluttering and simplifying my home, prioritizing nature and peace and helping nature where I can. I am lucky to live opposite a beautiful park where I can walk and observe nature. I also avoid the city and crowds where possible. You are so fortunate to live in a place where most people have this way of life instead of being one of the few.
I think a lot comes down to attitude! I know that I live in the best place in the world because that is how I see it here! The two things I have control over are my attitude and my effort! I feel very empowered,,,not much money, or property but I work hard on staying healthy at 72 and take nothing for granted,,I was blessed to have a rough young life I think 🤔 ❤
@@BEGGARWOOD1 Yes that’s a great place to live, you could be anywhere! I also love the Malvern Hills. If you change your mindset you can seek out beauty and peace in the most unexpected places.
I wish I could live in a Nordic country. I have always felt that Nordic societal values reflect mine much more than those of my home country (USA). Although it is not possible at this time of life for me to emigrate, your videos help show me I can live these values no matter where I am. Thank you very much for your relaxing and practical suggestions.
I feel very much the same as you do Deborah! I am a USA citizen as well. Hopefully we can begin to create at least some of this in our personal lives, where we stand…❣️❣️❣️
Please dont think that living here is a paradise. This is not true. It is true that there is a lot of social welfare, but this will change. For example the public health sector where I work, is really under pressure. The new generation suffers a lot with the stress in society, low self esteem and problems left to them by the older generation.
@@ThoseWhoDare this is true for almost every country in the world now. So better live in the Nordics, or at least trying to live the values described in this film
@@jerryyoung6494 I'm not going anywhere Jerry so best save that energy for something kind instead of trolling those you disagree with and whom you know nothing about. My father, a WW2 Navy veteran and my late husband, a Vietnam combat veteran (Purple Heart recipient) fought for the rights some would like to take away. I will also stay and fight for that in their memory. All the best to you.
I live now in one of the most rural places I've ever lived, and yet it's often the noisiest. Trucks with no mufflers, ATVs, motorbikes, buzzsaws, bulldozers, fireworks, nonstop barking dogs, sirens, helicopters, boom cars, stereos, and loud parties 24/7, especially in summer. It definitely correlates to the political leanings of the people who live here. They are all about their personal freedoms taking precedence over community serenity. I'm miserable and can't wait to move.
@@patriciasalem3606 That sounds awful!!! Pun intended. I am so sorry. I am happy you are moving. Quiet is such a luxury and so important. I live in the quietest place ever, no sirens, no cars, no traffic lights, no noise, except the wind, the cattle grid, and the songbirds. And, me walking and singing to the deer and swans, in The Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Isle of Lewis, after living in USA all my 59 years prior, noisy L.A., and quiet Maui, Hawaii.
Thanks to you for mentioning Germany. I had some friends over from the US and they couldn’t believe, that we had newspapers laying out in cafes. They said that the tables wouldn’t turn fast enough, if people were to hang around reading. I looked at them and said… that is the point of a cafe. :)
One thing to remember about the table turning idea is wait staff aren’t paid a livable minimum wage so tips are an integral part of a workers income. If a customer stays a long time, that waiter is out (often) half their income. It’s an incredibly difficult situation.
Realizing you are nature, instead of being separate from it, is key. That’s one of the main principles focused in Buddhism with this way of living. I’ve discovered that I’m much happier, more bliss, more understanding and more in harmony. You will become much wiser with nature as your teacher.
I am sensitive to smells and this sounds like heaven! (Already did for all the other reasons, but that one got me.) So many people in the U.S. smell like fabric softener 🤢
Same here - this is the most toxic our society has ever been! Dryer vents in my neighbourhood are spewing toxic, disgusting over-concentrated “fragrances” which stick to anything they come in contact with. It should be illegal. People are so oblivious how bad it is to breathe this in, let alone wear it all day. This is the main reason I want to leave my beloved home to be far away from other homes.
The stink of fabric softener is most often vile. For about 40 years I have used cleaning and washing products without added scent or artificial colouring, also unbleached toilet paper. For what is the point of all these added synthetics? - All is readily available and mostly less expensive in Denmark and I guess in other Nordic countries, but are not as heavily advertised as the scented and dyed international brands. All my cosmetic products are unscented - occasionally I take pleasure in a hint of perfume - carefully chosen.
In September, I went to Iceland for a week. I had never felt more relaxed in my life. It was a drastic contrast to the hustle at home in the US. Here in North Carolina we have beautiful and diverse nature, but finding the time to enjoy it is a massive task. I think I’m Nordic at heart.
My grandpa on my dad’s side is from Sweden and my great grandparents on my mom’s side were from France. The difference in family gatherings was evident! The Swedish side usually involved some type of outdoor activity followed by a simple meal, very peaceful . The French side revolved around the food and everyone was talking and laughing. I love both!!!!
Those are all good reasons, but a big part is money. The thing that makes us capable of taking so much freetime and live how we do, is the money. So of course the nordics are happy and peaceful, we have the economic stability to be so.
Yeah I think that is true as well! But at least I feel like we have a more balanced understanding of what is enough money for us to live a content life and where getting more of it while sacrificing other areas of life (like mental health) is not anymore smart. Could be that I am wrong but that's how I've experienced it
I think it is great that you have such an insight. You must be one of those people who appreciate what they have. If someone from a not so economically lucky country said what you said many people would say they're simply "mean" or "lazy" to make changes for the better. I am from Hungary and I consider myself to live in the mid-range financially in a global perspective. Have visited northern countries (aka better than mine) and poor countries too and I have noticed that money does not make miracles but definitely has an impact on education, sense of planning, gratitude, respect to other cultures, openness etc etc meaning that society as a whole is more relaxed, has more tolerance and has more insight. Long story short: I appreciate your comment 😊
It's the distribution as well. I'll go out on a limb and assume the differences in lifestyles among people are not as contrasting as in other countries so people are more content.
@@johannespuggaardpoulsen1976 exactly. Your life becomes better when you do not need to worry about healthcare or education. Ppl do not seem to see this, but these are the principles of social democracies. Without these, the Nordic countries would descend in the same misery they were before they struck oil and gas, or their industries were average. The climate and especially the winter darkness would really become a “happiness “ (or lack thereof ) problem.
It is a constant struggle in America to achieve even a majority of these benefits. Took me a half to two thirds of my working life. The worst thing was companies cutting back on the number of employees to the point that everyone was constantly overworked and/or expected to work overtime on a regular basis.
I am a US citizen. I retired from the medical profession three years ago, and I thank god every day! It felt like I was working in a factory! It was awful, we were constantly understaffed and overworked! I don’t miss working one bit!
I live in the US and so absolutely wish we had calm public spaces. It seems like all public spaces here are noisy, brightly-lit, and smell strange or nasty. Even libraries - which, when I was young, used to feel like quiet sanctuaries of hallowed knowledge and entertainment...now they are just as noisy as anywhere else. Parks are filled with energetic children, adults, and dogs (which is great actually, but not very calm). Shops are crowded, music plays too loudly, and lights are too bright. Cafes and restaurants are also crowded and loud. Sometimes you're seated within inches of other tables and it's impossible to speak quietly enough not to be overheard, or to overhear. It seems like the only escape is to just go/stay home, but...yea.
Yeah it must be tough when public spaces don’t really give you a sense of calm anymore, libraries especially. I hope you can find those rare quiet corners when you need them even if they’re few. Sending you some calm vibes! 🌿
My library is barely useable anymore. Parents let their kids run wild through the shelving. Drug users take up all the comfy chairs and bathroom stalls. Not much good for reading or studying. 🤷♀️
My dream is to live in Scandinavia. Even here in the countryside in Germany it's too loud for me, everything is moving faster and faster, few people pay attention to nature and its animals... I love the Scandinavian way of life.❤
Would love to live in a Nordic country! The scent part really got me. Here in the US I am often inundated with strong laundry products scents that make me sick. 😢
Me too! A house two down from me was bought and rented out. There are 10 family members there that do laundry every day, most of the day and night, and my God, they use the most offensively strong possible. I’m sure they add several scoops to one load. Febreeze, bouncey, beads, pine-sol Tide etc.. it’s sickening and I cant sit out, garden, or even walk out of my house and open a window during these times. And it lingers in the air for hours too!! So sad, I will probably move from my beloved home because of them.
Canadian by birth, living in UK, and I've said that for years... No bad weather only bad clothing. I work outside and layer and bundle up on cold days. I like working outside
You have a great presentation, clearly spoken directly at the camera with no artificial camera angles or fast edits. The lighting is sympathetic & natural, relaxing & a joy to watch.
Am 3/4 Scandinavian - maybe 100% with Irish. All the Nordic habits described here are my natural preferences/personality. Now I understand I’m missing my people/culture -born and living in the US. Always have dreamt of being somewhere that fits me better. Hope to visit and maybe live there soon. Thanks for validating my perspectives.
Beautiful clean country. I live in New Zealand , which is also a beautiful place to live , but some of our citizens do not appreciate calmness , and cleanliness. We have also a big Graffiti problem , which blemishes the beautiful landscape.
I love these rules. I feel like I really live this way as well. I live off the grid and my work is pottery. I have a peaceful life and I protect it. Next is to get a sauna.😊
This video showed up in my feed and I am very happy about. I was born and raised in South America and in the Latino culture (for the most part) we have different approaches to life; for instance, we are loud, we do not understand the concept of personal space, we want to know (for the most part) everyone business, we like parties, get together, and know everyone business 😉. All of this bothered me when I was a child and teenager (like quietness, simplicity, personal space, and not feeling conversations need to happen all the time). I moved to the US when I was 20 to a big city and although this is an individualistic city, there are many things that I wish are different. I practice many of the items mentioned here. I love having time for myself and being in nature the most. I work as a mental health therapist and I always encourage my clients to cherish their time on their own and in nature, to always speak the truth, to feel comfortable in the silence, and mostly, to have balance. Thank you again for this great video and your channel. I can’t wait to explore it more.
I visited Finland in November 2014 and had a great solo trip traveling through the county. It reminds me in many ways of my home state, Wisconsin. I thought Finland was great and I loved how quiet and calm it was.
I'm from Hong Kong and a Nordic environment sounds perfect for me...🥲 In HK, the general noise and light pollution, super crowded everywhere, the overwhelming smells/fragrance in malls and bathrooms, how when in a group setting people usually talk over each other and not having a pause/interrupting when people talk, etc etc, are so stressful Living in a cottage in the countryside for a few days as a norm sounds great! I tried something similar to that when I went to Ireland this May. It's so calm and peaceful, and I get to be close to animals because it's an animal sanctuary. I wish I have stayed outside late at night to watch the stars and the sky while laying on the grass, but it's cold and I love sleeping 😂
This is so true. Though, the correct word is _'contentment'._ Happiness is a transient state. I moved to Denmark from London, England 34 years ago, and this is _exactly_ what I have experienced living here. I work 32 hours a week, say 'no' without guilt, and find beauty and pleasure in the mundane. Visiting London has now become a bit traumatic and I literally need a week off work in order to recover😅🇩🇰
I'm in college to become an exploration geologist. I plan on living in Norway and traveling for my job. Exploration geologists basically hike around all day and look for rocks and formations, they do some studies and research, sometimes take samples, and some other things. I love hiking, rocks, and animals, which is perfect! I'll be able to help learn about the earth that animals live on so I can help protect the animals homes. I'll be able to stay active and happy, I'll be making a lot of money by enjoying my daily hobbies. I can't wait to start working!
As a geologist going to Norge, you might enjoy the film, "Troll", which is on TH-cam. In the fjäll, not all rock formations appreciate being disturbed!
The music and stores and heavy fragrances is almost everywhere in the area where I live in Florida. Even the people delivering groceries have lots of perfume on them and in their car and the grocery bags smell when I bring them in. The neighbors doing laundry can be a huge problem because it is so overpowering and there is no longer any natural fragrance simply from being outside. I wish people would be more aware of how heavy their fragrances are. But even in the stores, the detergent aisle, and other areas of the store are such strong, overpowering fragrances.
I do my best to live this way in California. One can adopt these practices but may feel left behind by society. Like in my workplace, I don’t relate with large majority of people because I don’t watch most of the common movies and TV and pay attention to that kind of stuff. It seems like that’s the only way people talk to each other anymore…. I would rather talk about a tree or a squirrel. 🐿️ It’s tough to find silent/quiet in public spaces. The worst is when you go for petrol and all of the pump starts telling you the bad news of the world or yelling at you to buy things or advertising a terrible offensive movie. Sporting events are constantly blaring noise and yelling too, baseball used to be enjoyable for me to attend, the calm, methodical actions of the game and silences..but no!now most ballparks fill every second with noise and apparently if you’re not screaming loud, you’re not having fun.
Agreed. We glorify materialism and debauchery. Also, the development of new communities is purely based on greed, not on providing enough green space for the health and mental sanity of people.
#actuallyautistic person here 🙋🏻♀️ The 🇺🇸 is very loud everywhere, all the time. I keep ear plugs on me all the time- in every bag, in my car, etc. I don’t feel badly for leaving a room or scene when I get overwhelmed! 😰 We all have our limits, as he said.
. Not so much in rural America! If I had headset on all the time, I would miss the greetings from neighbors and sounds of birds...it's not all bad here 😊
I live in rural Vermont USA and share all these values in the video--but so much of American life encourages the opposite (consumerism, competition, fast talking, bright lights, speed, aggression) ... I would feel so at home in Finland! (Except for language barrier.) Thank you for the inspiring beautiful video!
Looks like a perfect place for me…I live in Colombia and it’s crazy here, specially for someone highly sensitive as me. Someone that enjoys silence, not party and stuff like that are not normal here so it’s hard to be like that here.
Listening over speaking…really listening and hearing….this is a rare rare happening in the world today. I grew up and was taught to listen, don’t interrupt, wait your turn, etc. people today are so busy forming what they’re going to say while you are talking. That they don’t even really hear what you’ve said! Maddening!
I’m American but I believe that in my soul I’m Nordic. All of these ways of living perfectly represent me and my way of living. Thank you for sharing this information.
When you mentioned "Finish what you start" I immediately wanted to return to the task I have to do at my job, but then I thought I should wait till the end of this video first! :D
I have just returned from a week in Sweden. My first trip to a Nordic country. Coming from Ireland I was totally bemused at the sense of calm, respect and peace everywhere we went. This clip completely explains everything that puzzled me, every single point was entirely true to my observations. What a lovely society, I am so sorry I discovered it so late in life.
I live in the US and it is the opposite here. I have all of these lifestyle aspirations (as in the video), and it is hard to fit into an opposite world. One thing I would love is a restaurant where it is quiet, calm, and peaceful. (Not a bunch of people constantantly talking as loud as they can with food in their mouths, employees banging dishes and utensils, and sweeping the area near you while they bang your seat with the broom)
Restaurants here in the US quit focusing on quiet dining. Now they open the ceilings so we have to look at all the pipes and ductwork and it makes the rooms very noisy. I wish they used sound deadening materials on the walls and ceilings.
Its so crazy how you mention the music in public places being very low in 🇫🇮, I live in the 🇺🇸, every place here has extremely loud music, sometimes it’s so hard to have a conversation while having dinner at a restaurant. I was in 🇫🇮 in April, fell in love with the country, its people and the culture!
I love the Nordic ways. This is a very healthy lifestyle I wish it was encouraged more in the United States. I think one reason I am happy is I immerse myself in the seasons with nature.
New here. I was raised on a small farm in Missouri, my family full blooded German and was raised much like you talk about on your videos. I've always loved more quiet, the outdoors and less crazy activities. Thank you for your videos.
I think I live in the wrong country/culture haha. Here I was thinking there was something wrong with me and really, it's probably just that I live in the wrong place haha. I totally align with, practice, and need most, if not all, of the things you mentioned! And here in the US, I feel like I'm so out of balance with the expectations and practices of the country/society. I align way more with what you listed. I crave it and need it
My grandma is Finnish and speaks Finnish and lived in Minnesota. I am a nature loving minimalist and always feel out of touch with American consumption. It’s just really resonated deep down and I think it’s because of my roots.
I am so happy to know that Japan is trying their best to learn from Nordic countries in order to improve lives here! I really hope I can become a Japanese citizen! I love this country so much! But I also deeply admire and look to Nordic countries for inspiration in my life~
I am a normal Indian. This video is heaven to me. I love natural lights, jungle, isolation and very little noise. Thank you so much for sharing this 12 rules❤
I am an American with strong Swedish roots, went to a small liberal arts college in a town with Norwegian heritage. This verifies that I really do value my Nordic roots. I am now in my 50’s and have created a life that revolves around being in nature, I am ok with saying no to things I don’t really want to do, treasure silence and a few close friends. Love this video and will keep coming back to it!
Estoy casado con una Vikinga (Denmark), y es increíble como todos los aspectos en este video se identifican claramente con la personalidad y valores de mi esposa, me encanta es una cultura increíble
Great topic and video. I live in the southeast United States. I had good parents who taught me well and had good values. These values and lifestyle are still practiced here. Not by everybody and maybe known by different names or titles. But still here. I guess I’m pointing this out for the people who are disappointed they don’t live in a Nordic country. Hope. Also, I think that “ content” is a better word than “happy”. J.M.O.
I’m American. I work in a stressful and 24/7 kind of job. The best parts of my year are when I take the family to the beach for a week; or in the fall during hunting season when I spend a lot of time alone in the forest. You need to disconnect. It’s so important. Great video.
That’s because of the high number of Nordic settlers. It’s in your DNA. I was born and raised in MN, moved to Oregon about 8 years ago and I miss many things about home. Mostly, the people, their sensibilities, and respect for boundaries. For the most part, West coasters suck
I've watched this video twice now. Slowly. Absorbing it. These habits, values & philosophies resonate keenly with me. Life in the USA is absolutely the inverse of these values.much sadness in that realization. For a long time I have felt like a strange person , so different from my peers here in the USA. Not so. I just value different things, these things that you speak of. I look forward to exploring your channel more. You are touching peoples lives in a good and meaningful way.
Everytime I watch one of your videos, I feel at peace, it's hard balance everyday life, thanks for videos like this that helps me realize I'm on my own personal trip step by step. Thank you so much.
Super happy to hear that! 🌱 I try to keep the vibes calm and peaceful in the videos while still talking about things I find important and valuable. Sometimes it's easier said than done but I feel like I did a really good job with this one 😊 Thanks for watching!
I needed this video. It shows me so many ways i can implement these strategies into my life. All i want is peace and no anger. Just to live a simple life. ❤from Kansas
A lot of this sounds like a very spiritual existence. Desiring peace over status, being fully present in your life and aware of your surroundings, listening attentively to others and desiring a deeper connection with both people and nature surely will bring more happiness than material pusuits.
My grandparents were from Sweden and Norway. They were very peaceful grounded people. Thank you for your videos. They remind us of what is important. I'm America we have lost most of what you hold dear. What I hold dear also. 🌻💙🕊
This is fantastic timing. I've just finished listening to a series on "Toxic Productivity" where our insecurities about being a valued team-mate, or being seen as a valuable person, all can slowly drive Western people in business to ever crazier demands on themselves. They'll chase the latest app - or tinker endlessly with extensions or new systems in their existing apps! (I'm looking at you Notion and Obsidian obsessives! ;-) I had to leave Notion myself for this very reason.) But why assume we just need a better productivity system to 'get more done' - why not question how much we are trying to do in the first place!? I'm Australian - but my parents were English migrants. I must have some Viking blood in me somewhere. ;-)
I'm Irish but honestly based on my life I feel more Scandinavian after watching this. Friend told me once I looked Nordic so it could be in my bones. I can see my travels going north as opposed to south in the future. Thanks.
As a Finnish woman, I dated a foreigner and he was amazed that I am such an honest person, said that it's so rare. I just want peace and a happy life, playing games and deceiving wont get me there.
💯❤️🙏
I am the same way, but I am American and live in America, and it is not only challenging af but feels like the most immense burden and like you are alone and not safe at all. You never meet other genuine people. Everyone has an agenda, and your kindness is repaid with hate and theft. Humanity is lacking, and you get ridiculed and ostracized for being a sensitive, caring person. It is a quite hellish experience living here.
@@1YzeWhoaman6821wow, where do you live? I love it here in the US. I do not find it “hellish” at all. Try moving to a small Midwest town where most people espouse the same guidelines described in this video.
@laurenflowers2023
That's most likely what is needed. I'm just so apprehensive and pessimistic now. All I have to talk about is negative experiences.
@@laurenflowers2023I live in the Midwest and most of the people in small towns are right wing bigots 🙄
No bad weather, only bad clothing. I like that
Very true.
We say this in the uk. There are extremes of course, but this has proven a point. Dress appropriately. Thank you.
In Norwegian weather (vær) rhymes with clothes (klær) so the saying makes more sense than when translated 😊
Said in swedish, it rhymes
So where can we get good clothing in America?
Broadly:
1. Make work just part of your life
2. Enjoy nature
3. Less is more - simplify
4. Live in, or design, a calm environment
5. Live with integrity and maintain healthy boundaries
6. Make a habit of finishing worthwhile projects/ activities
7. Be present and make every minute count
8. Solitude - see 4 &5
9. Silence - see 8
10. Create your safe, creative, relaxing, space
11. Community, collaboration and environmental responsibility
12. Quiet choices of peace and harmony over status and social comparisons
So that you can thrive, not just survive, and experience psychological well-being.
Thank you paragraph guy. Love your work 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This was very useful in helping me capture these concepts in my journal so I can expound upon them for myself. Thank you!
All this work in nordic rich countries. Try this in hellish latin america.
Yeah, who needs the AI summarize feature when we have you?
13. Make sure everyone is white
I'm a born and raised US citizen, and often feel like the world just isn't made for someone like me. Watching this video made me realize that it's not the world that's not; but my culture is. I felt such a sense of relief just imagining living in a Nordic environment. You touched on pretty much everything that stresses me out about my current life.
America is a hellscape.
Your racial sensibilities are giving you the anxiety.
i think we all feel like this in the US, where money is our ultimate value. Our entire existence is to enrich already wealthy people and then we are told that we haven't worked hard enough or aren't smart enough. Scandinavia in general values community and individual well being.
I think a very small, somewhat remote town in America might suit you well
I also feel the same way. There’s so much unneeded pressure, stress, and stimulation in the American lifestyle. Hopefully I can visit Scandinavia one day and understand the solace it brings.
We Americans who want this have to make it happen for ourselves. We can do it! Or get pretty close.
As an autistic person, these "rules" sound like heaven to me.
#actuallyautistic person here 🙋🏻♀️ I lived in Estonia for a year, and the level of quiet & personal space was indeed heavenly… but sometimes lonely. Friends brilliant enough to speak English well enough to be friends with me were busy doing all the things their brain made it possible for them to do. but yes, it’s very quiet there. 😌
Same here and the ‘sensitive personality disorder’ Nordic countries refer to is actually just autism. I’m not sure if it’s stigmatised there but so many Nordic autists are diagnosed as being sensitive. It’s kinda funny but it’s got to be harmful to the misdiagnosed.
@@curlycat4991 Sometimes, being alone is a way of being at peace.
"Autistic" in America is just the Finnish baseline normal tbh. I'm not even kidding.
I think you sound pretty normal to me
I am an American woman. As I get older I am noticing how loud everybody is here. Even in my own household. The tv is on, their phones are playing videos and they’re talking. It’s overwhelming. I crave some quiet time. Your video was lovely and calming. 😊
I live in Ireland, Americans are extremely loud 😅
Eating in an American restaurant is a nightmarish experience after you've been in Europe long enough. Sure, the food and service may be great, but why is it so LOUD???!!! Loud pop music playing with hundreds of people yelling over each other. It's ridiculous. I'm still traumatized by eating at a steak house in Dallas. Food was great sure, but wow the noise. The only other people I've run into in the world that are as loud as Americans is Italians.
We Americans are something else. Loud, opinionated, and PERSISTENT. It never stops! Never! There is always something being pushed down our throats, and NOTHING is ever good enough 😂 It has made me schziod in the past 10 years.
I want to pack up and move to Andalucia Spain.
@@s.c.johnson2484 It is our nature. You'd just complain about stuff wherever you move to, I know I do. On the other hand people who just accept things no matter how crummy they may be are also a problem.
@@eustacemcgoodboy9702that just shows you are mentally weak
These 12 habits sound so sane and normal. I only wish they were practiced all over the world. Makes me want to move to Finland today.
Hope one day you will, or at least be able to practice these in some other place 🌿
❤❤❤
Carole there is an area in Grey County called The Blue Mountains in Ontario where people live with many of these attributes. You should visit!
@@therichbuddha3277 Thank you for the information. I will look into that.
OmG... this is sooo considerate and healthy... Wish I could enjoy this too. 🥹🥹🤍
I think the connection to nature is what leads these countries into healthy habits.
I think that is one key part 🌱❤️
Yes, emphatically. Also, imho, the cold has a two-fold benefit on the society: 1. they are more habituated to interdependence for survival, and 2. they have to hunker down indoors for warmth, somewhat isolated from one another, and are more used to solitary hours (whereas solitude can induce panic in those who live in places where being around people most of the time is the norm).
Also I think there’s less bastards in Nordic countries
Thats why Sweden is sinking in the mud. Trust me, it is bad and people are naive.
Sweden is the greatest example of these rules and nordic countries tolerance XD Check Internet where this leads ;)
I lived in Nova Scotia, Canada for nearly 3 years and loved every moment of it. When we had to move back to the United States, I felt overwhelmed with everything and everyone. People in the US are "ME, ME, ME" focused, very few actually care about others and they are so impatient. It feels like everyone here is stressed and/or pissed off. It makes me not want to go anywhere. I truly miss the calm, quiet, beauty, peace, and abundant nature found in Nova Scotia. I also miss having fewer people around me. It was the first time, in many years, I actually felt safe when I lived there.
A wonderful response to a great video. Thank you both..
As an American, I’d love to leave here, especially since the 2024 election. But with so much family here, I’m staying. My compromise has been to move to a quieter community in a new state that isn’t quite as insane as the place I was from. Something is better than nothing. I would also add that there are millions of kind, thoughtful Americans. We just don’t make the evening news.
American here. You couldn't be more accurate. Entitlement and selfishness are everywhere around here. Honestly, I can't wait to become an ex-pat someday.
Whenever I think of America I shudder and am glad that I do not live there, but when I meet individual Americans (I live in Australia), I find them to be the nicest people.
It would be impossible to categorize all Americans under one definition. We are the great melting pot, and there are a variety of people all across our country. If you want to be in a quieter place, you have to be willing to put up with the inconveniences of rural living. I have lived in Montana, North Dakota and now live in Wyoming, the least populated state of the lower 49. I would not say anybody here is in a great hurry nor in the other two states either. Unless they’re tourists from somewhere else!
Nice video. My Swedish friend once joked to me that after the pandemic restrictions were lifted, the Swedes stopped their mandatory 2m distance separation from each other, and went back to their usual pre-pandemic separation of 3m!!
😂😂😂
I set up on a beach with my kids about 3 meters from a woman by herself and she complained that we were too close to her. Of course...you know what I told her.
@@eustacemcgoodboy9702no I actually don’t. Tell us!
Not wrong ^^
Too close@@eustacemcgoodboy9702
When I am in nature...I become a part of nature...this is so calming..
Agreed ✨💖 there’s nothing like it 💕
I think my soul is Nordic. Love all of this.
Mine too. But maybe because I've worked in Nokia and got to know many finns, this all makes total sense to me. Great video! Subscribed!
Have your DNA tested. I was shocked n it made more sense why I feel this way too 🙂 💫
Me too! Authenticity and Honesty is so alien in uk🫤and social disconnection so important to me 🙏
Silence and time for yourself without others and noise around you is so underrated!
Been prioritizing it for years
Love the idea of no scents and hardly noticeable music. Can’t imagine how much would l love that calm vibe. Loud music and strong fragrance carry a cheap feel. Wish more people knew this.
We Americans are still playing overly familiar Pop and Disco from the 70s and 80s in our supermarkets! It's 2025, let's elevate!
Here in America we just celebrated Thanksgiving. I went to my family's gathering and sat for hours without saying a word, and no one even noticed. They were too busy talking over one another to even listen to anything else. It was stressful. I enjoy people, but very much enjoy my solitude.
It's called old age. I've notice that lately I enjoy my own home best.
I can totally relate to it
U.S. is totally screwed up. No boundaries to work and office managers expect work is given preference over life.
Trickle down corporate greed pits Just stress at the bottom most worker. And everything else is just so stressful
Yes, I too have experienced this kind of thing, it is exhausting.❤️
Love the idea of shopping with no loud music:)
Yeah that's so thoughtful :)
Contrarily, I reside in Mexico and I love the festive music in the stores and shops.
@@Zenigma217 eating in restaurants, too! I have to wear earplugs in most “trendy” restaurants!
@@brian1204WHY not avoid these places?
Wht wud tht feel like?
The silence in conversation part got me. I HATE getting interrupted and so I always try to avoid interrupting others but this usually results in me just sitting quietly while others talk. I almost always have things to say yet somehow I’m “the quiet one”
Similarly, I get frustrated when people just talk incessantly about nothing, just to feel like 'we're talking' - take it slow so I can figure out what's really important rather than feeling like I'm being shot at with a machine gun.
I'm an American. Throughout my life, I've naturally gravitated towards many of these habits and principles. I'm a reserved, private person who respects my own boundaries as well as the boundaries of others. I value a good work-life balance. I have to have a constant connection to nature. I love being solitary and quiet, especially out in nature. I keep my home a peaceful, uncluttered, relaxing space. It wasn't until I was in my 40's that I found out through a DNA ancestry test that I'm 1/4 Scandinavian, and met my best friend who is Finnish! I always had a sense that I should've been born in some wide, quiet, northern forest country. I guess our blood and bones always know the truth of who we are :)
💯%
It's interesting about you). From Ukraine.
I like peace and quiet too. I hate going into a shop or restaurant and having to listen to loud music. I took a DNA test and found a large proportion of my ancestry was Scandinavian to my surprise.
Hello soul mate 😊
I was told by my Celtic Mystic Teacher Ger Lyons, an amazing man, and Soul, from Ireland, to move where my blood and bones are from, so I did. I was born in California to a Scottish father, who died when I was 11, so I never got to live in Scotland. From Maui, Hawaii, after 15 years living my dreams there, (working in Permaculture and Regenerative Farming Community Design) , I moved to the very western most Outer Hebrides, on The Isle of Lewis, where I can hear the storm, the loud, violent and whistling winds, and harsh rain pelting my windows all day today and even now (22:18). I am so happy!!! I found out I have Scottish roots going all the way back to Nordic Viking ancestors a thousand years ago. I spent 4 months in Orkney researching my family tree, and found this line from Clouston, back and back to Havard "Klo" (The Claw). It is an amazing thing to live where my bones and blood are from. I do feel better than I have ever felt being here, staring out at the storm. It feels like Home. I was always hiding in the shade, before living here.
I felt calmer just by watching this video
same here, did realize also the transitions between videos were so smooth and calming
@@Joel-i4nhis voice is too
I am Spanish from Madrid, and I moved to Stockholm a few years ago. Early on when I was living there, I took a trip to Finland and I thought it was soooo boring haha But after living in the nordics two years, I came back to Madrid and it was totally overwhelming, the metro almost made me have panic attacks, the streets had people everywhere, all the time... I now live in a calmer neighbourhood in Madrid and barely go to the city center, it is awfully full with tourists anyway so it doesnt feel authentic anymore. What I miss the most from my life in Stockholm is that I lived 5 minutes walking from a beautiful forest with a lake/archipielago. I saw deer often, it was so crazy to me to see wild animals, living only 15 minute away from the city centre by metro. I really miss having a dose of nature everyday
completamente de acuerdo contigo
Yo crecí en una casa en el bosque y las primeras veces que fuí a Barcelona me daba miedo salir a la calle. Siempre he sabido que necesito no vivir en el centro pero me ha costado muchos años aprender que puedo ser más feliz aspirando a la estabilidad que al entusiasmo.
Liar! I live in Stockholm and born here, you live in Disneyland.
@@ConnectionIsLost it was winter wonderland indeed ! take bus 40 and go visit the students in Lappis (Stora Lappkärrsberget) and ask directions to Lappis beach
@@belenlg5978Djurgården ok, try to take a visit to other places and enjoy the enrichment of every new culture! I can recommend: Skärholmens Centrum a late cozy evening, visit Sätra Badet in the evenings or Alby Centrum.
STHLMS Central is nice also! There you can enjoy our new Afghans ;) And why not make a trip to the North and visit Kista or the other exiting places. :D
I would add that my experience in American culture changed when I moved from the big city to a small, rural coastal community in SW Washington state. Much stronger sense of community, nature, kindness here.
When my Swedish ancestors came to the U.S., they found places to enjoy nature. My great grandfather built a cottage near a lake, my other grandparents put up a camp every summer at the beach. I now have a small cabin at a lake where I spend four months a year. We leave the doors wide open all day, and at night we sleep in a tent near the water's edge. We have neighbors, but there are 140 acres of woods behind us. It's heaven.
I live in the USA, people will say they want this but refuse to make changes in their lives and behavior so they refuse to live it !
There is so much greed, selfishness, self pity, abuse and neglect that even the good well intentioned people become guarded to protect themselves. It’s a viscous circle !
I don't think it will get any better in the next 4 years😢
@@stevegreenwood8168 Unfortunately, I agree with you, the chaos has already begun…
I escaped the United Security States of Anxiety (USSA) 13.5 years ago. Ain't been back since.
It is unregulated Capitalism. Put the blame where it belongs: we live in an oligarchy with a corrupt government funded by corporate greed.
@@jackflanagle6079can I ask how you left? I read up on getting a visa and also got denied for residential permit in Canada. Apparently you have to have a degree or a job in the country. I have two kids and I hate living in the US as a mom. My soul needs to leave..
I am a foreigner living in Finland who have come to value all of these.
I love it here ❤
I am now learning to talk less and not see the silence in conversations as awkward 😊
Pls can you share some tips how to move to Finaland as a foreigner? I am american citizen I can’t wait get out of here, I love Finaland pls can you share how did you move there?
So happy to hear that ❄️❤️
I hate loud music in public spaces (stores/cafes/etc.). I make a habit of asking the manager to have it turned down, and the employees are always SO grateful!
All of this sounds like heaven….. jealous from America… happy there is a place like this
We live in Northern Manitoba, Canada. Lakes, rivers, and boreal forests surround it. Real estate is cheap; we don’t feel our mortgage payments. Spending time at the campsite at the lake in the summer and skiing, skating, and sliding in the winter is excellent. Unfortunately, the region has social issues that are not too bad. 5-10 minutes to get around the city. I know that for career- and business-minded people, it’s not a place, but we are different. We want to have enough to live and an opportunity to help others; wealth and riches for the sake of more $$$ are not our priorities.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful Nordic principle that resonates with our family values.
Please adopt me. 😊❤️
This is the way. Take note that the majority of the top 10 on the happiness index are some of the most non-religious countries in the world. Common decency, respect, and living in balance and harmony actually work. Who would have thought?! Excellent video!
Nothing to do with religion. You’re talking horse sh:t. Greece, Italy, Taiwan, Okinawa Japan, South Sea Islands, etc. all very happy and all religious or have cultures based on religious philosophy like Confucianism.
I’m also curious, once clowns like you have banned religion, who will feed the poor, adopt children, care for the disease ridden?!?! Well, who??? Are you? You’re very young but better to get the facts right. 4.5 billion Asians, go on travel there and tell me they don’t have it figured out. All based on their religious beliefs. I can go on.
STOP WATCHING CNN!!!
Wow. There's a divisive, unhappy person practicing ignorance and bias in every group. Thanks for outing yourself. I say this as a Christian Nordic.
Religion is founded on division, and then there were the centuries of atrocities, and the usurping of sacred dates and celebrations, renaming them, rebuilding square temples on our healing-energy-circles, and telling tales from a book we never needed to know love, and respect and reverence for God, instead of living the truth:we are nature, so happy in nature as it is our natural habitat, all of it. No church required. I love love, God and Nature, and feel very much that religion is harming our humanity, as it denies the truth of its history of harm, genocide, and division, in the name of a God that is not God. God is Love.
@ClaireCelticMystic Yet here you are being the one posting divisive comments.
I agree
Even in Birmingham UK there are those of us who live by this mindset. I am in the process of decluttering and simplifying my home, prioritizing nature and peace and helping nature where I can.
I am lucky to live opposite a beautiful park where I can walk and observe nature.
I also avoid the city and crowds where possible.
You are so fortunate to live in a place where most people have this way of life instead of being one of the few.
Well said, I totally agree. I'm the same as you & also live not far from a UK city.
I think a lot comes down to attitude! I know that I live in the best place in the world because that is how I see it here! The two things I have control over are my attitude and my effort! I feel very empowered,,,not much money, or property but I work hard on staying healthy at 72 and take nothing for granted,,I was blessed to have a rough young life I think 🤔 ❤
We are at the foot of the Lickey Hills and agree with all that you have said ! My partner and I think we are Nordic in our hearts
@@BEGGARWOOD1 Yes that’s a great place to live, you could be anywhere! I also love the Malvern Hills. If you change your mindset you can seek out beauty and peace in the most unexpected places.
I wish I could live in a Nordic country. I have always felt that Nordic societal values reflect mine much more than those of my home country (USA). Although it is not possible at this time of life for me to emigrate, your videos help show me I can live these values no matter where I am. Thank you very much for your relaxing and practical suggestions.
I feel very much the same as you do Deborah! I am a USA citizen as well. Hopefully we can begin to create at least some of this in our personal lives, where we stand…❣️❣️❣️
Please dont think that living here is a paradise. This is not true. It is true that there is a lot of social welfare, but this will change. For example the public health sector where I work, is really under pressure. The new generation suffers a lot with the stress in society, low self esteem and problems left to them by the older generation.
@@ThoseWhoDare this is true for almost every country in the world now. So better live in the Nordics, or at least trying to live the values described in this film
I’d like to wish you a big goodbye from the US.
@@jerryyoung6494 I'm not going anywhere Jerry so best save that energy for something kind instead of trolling those you disagree with and whom you know nothing about. My father, a WW2 Navy veteran and my late husband, a Vietnam combat veteran (Purple Heart recipient) fought for the rights some would like to take away. I will also stay and fight for that in their memory. All the best to you.
I am glad you consider a cat as part of an intentional home.
My wife would be impressed
I was having coffee with my cat while watching this.😊❤
Ha! Same. 😊@@veronicahildinger2018
I am an old Scottish woman that wants to move there. Thank you for this beautiful uplifting video.
It would be such a welcome way if everywhere were just quieter.
I live now in one of the most rural places I've ever lived, and yet it's often the noisiest. Trucks with no mufflers, ATVs, motorbikes, buzzsaws, bulldozers, fireworks, nonstop barking dogs, sirens, helicopters, boom cars, stereos, and loud parties 24/7, especially in summer. It definitely correlates to the political leanings of the people who live here. They are all about their personal freedoms taking precedence over community serenity. I'm miserable and can't wait to move.
@@patriciasalem3606 That sounds awful!!! Pun intended. I am so sorry. I am happy you are moving. Quiet is such a luxury and so important. I live in the quietest place ever, no sirens, no cars, no traffic lights, no noise, except the wind, the cattle grid, and the songbirds. And, me walking and singing to the deer and swans, in The Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Isle of Lewis, after living in USA all my 59 years prior, noisy L.A., and quiet Maui, Hawaii.
@@patriciasalem3606That doesn't describe rural at all.
@@patriciasalem3606where do you live?
You gotta get people to have less kids.
Thanks to you for mentioning Germany. I had some friends over from the US and they couldn’t believe, that we had newspapers laying out in cafes. They said that the tables wouldn’t turn fast enough, if people were to hang around reading. I looked at them and said… that is the point of a cafe. :)
One thing to remember about the table turning idea is wait staff aren’t paid a livable minimum wage so tips are an integral part of a workers income. If a customer stays a long time, that waiter is out (often) half their income. It’s an incredibly difficult situation.
Realizing you are nature, instead of being separate from it, is key. That’s one of the main principles focused in Buddhism with this way of living. I’ve discovered that I’m much happier, more bliss, more understanding and more in harmony. You will become much wiser with nature as your teacher.
I am sensitive to smells and this sounds like heaven! (Already did for all the other reasons, but that one got me.) So many people in the U.S. smell like fabric softener 🤢
Or perfume r deodorant here in Ireland 😵💫
Same here - this is the most toxic our society has ever been! Dryer vents in my neighbourhood are spewing toxic, disgusting over-concentrated “fragrances” which stick to anything they come in contact with. It should be illegal. People are so oblivious how bad it is to breathe this in, let alone wear it all day. This is the main reason I want to leave my beloved home to be far away from other homes.
@@suzKawasaki I have had the same thought. It's nice to hear that I am not alone!
The stink of fabric softener is most often vile. For about 40 years I have used cleaning and washing products without added scent or artificial colouring, also unbleached toilet paper. For what is the point of all these added synthetics? - All is readily available and mostly less expensive in Denmark and I guess in other Nordic countries, but are not as heavily advertised as the scented and dyed international brands. All my cosmetic products are unscented - occasionally I take pleasure in a hint of perfume - carefully chosen.
Would you rather have the smell of sweat and stale foods
In September, I went to Iceland for a week. I had never felt more relaxed in my life. It was a drastic contrast to the hustle at home in the US. Here in North Carolina we have beautiful and diverse nature, but finding the time to enjoy it is a massive task.
I think I’m Nordic at heart.
My grandpa on my dad’s side is from Sweden and my great grandparents on my mom’s side were from France. The difference in family gatherings was evident! The Swedish side usually involved some type of outdoor activity followed by a simple meal, very peaceful . The French side revolved around the food and everyone was talking and laughing. I love both!!!!
Those are all good reasons, but a big part is money.
The thing that makes us capable of taking so much freetime and live how we do, is the money. So of course the nordics are happy and peaceful, we have the economic stability to be so.
Yeah I think that is true as well! But at least I feel like we have a more balanced understanding of what is enough money for us to live a content life and where getting more of it while sacrificing other areas of life (like mental health) is not anymore smart. Could be that I am wrong but that's how I've experienced it
I think it is great that you have such an insight. You must be one of those people who appreciate what they have. If someone from a not so economically lucky country said what you said many people would say they're simply "mean" or "lazy" to make changes for the better. I am from Hungary and I consider myself to live in the mid-range financially in a global perspective. Have visited northern countries (aka better than mine) and poor countries too and I have noticed that money does not make miracles but definitely has an impact on education, sense of planning, gratitude, respect to other cultures, openness etc etc meaning that society as a whole is more relaxed, has more tolerance and has more insight. Long story short: I appreciate your comment 😊
It's the distribution as well. I'll go out on a limb and assume the differences in lifestyles among people are not as contrasting as in other countries so people are more content.
@@SunnyKindJourney That is true, and like @betrion7 said, the distribution of of wealth plays a big role in this.
@@johannespuggaardpoulsen1976 exactly. Your life becomes better when you do not need to worry about healthcare or education. Ppl do not seem to see this, but these are the principles of social democracies. Without these, the Nordic countries would descend in the same misery they were before they struck oil and gas, or their industries were average. The climate and especially the winter darkness would really become a “happiness “ (or lack thereof ) problem.
It is a constant struggle in America to achieve even a majority of these benefits. Took me a half to two thirds of my working life. The worst thing was companies cutting back on the number of employees to the point that everyone was constantly overworked and/or expected to work overtime on a regular basis.
Yeah that's such a pity and for sure decreases life quality. I am so grateful to live here in a country were you can't be obligated to work overtime
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The American dream became an American nightmare.
I am a US citizen. I retired from the medical profession three years ago, and I thank god every day! It felt like I was working in a factory! It was awful, we were constantly understaffed and overworked! I don’t miss working one bit!
@@bettinak.4 Recently, I had seen quite a few videos where people said that the new American dream is to move abroad.
Everything you’re saying appeals to my soul.
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@@SunnyKindJourneyfrom where I come, those leaves indicate marijuana.
I live in the US and so absolutely wish we had calm public spaces. It seems like all public spaces here are noisy, brightly-lit, and smell strange or nasty. Even libraries - which, when I was young, used to feel like quiet sanctuaries of hallowed knowledge and entertainment...now they are just as noisy as anywhere else.
Parks are filled with energetic children, adults, and dogs (which is great actually, but not very calm).
Shops are crowded, music plays too loudly, and lights are too bright.
Cafes and restaurants are also crowded and loud. Sometimes you're seated within inches of other tables and it's impossible to speak quietly enough not to be overheard, or to overhear.
It seems like the only escape is to just go/stay home, but...yea.
Yeah it must be tough when public spaces don’t really give you a sense of calm anymore, libraries especially. I hope you can find those rare quiet corners when you need them even if they’re few. Sending you some calm vibes! 🌿
I live in a nice little calm town in Central Kentucky. Peace is possible.
My library is barely useable anymore. Parents let their kids run wild through the shelving. Drug users take up all the comfy chairs and bathroom stalls.
Not much good for reading or studying. 🤷♀️
You have to get out of the cities.
@@riverbilly64which city, please and thank you?
This way of life is pure, spiritual wisdom. Especially the value put on silence.
My dream is to live in Scandinavia. Even here in the countryside in Germany it's too loud for me, everything is moving faster and faster, few people pay attention to nature and its animals... I love the Scandinavian way of life.❤
Would love to live in a Nordic country! The scent part really got me. Here in the US I am often inundated with strong laundry products scents that make me sick. 😢
Yeah I am so glad we are more conscious about those here these days. It's a silent struggle for many 😥
I recommend Ecos! Live in the US as well. Ecos has never done me wrong.
I can't even tolerate walking or standing near a person who has such strong laundry fragrance smells on them!
Me too! A house two down from me was bought and rented out. There are 10 family members there that do laundry every day, most of the day and night, and my God, they use the most offensively strong possible. I’m sure they add several scoops to one load. Febreeze, bouncey, beads, pine-sol Tide etc.. it’s sickening and I cant sit out, garden, or even walk out of my house and open a window during these times. And it lingers in the air for hours too!! So sad, I will probably move from my beloved home because of them.
@@fruitascension5089me neither - instant headache!
Watching this video, I realize I live quite a nordic lifestyle here in the outback of Montana.
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Canadian by birth, living in UK, and I've said that for years... No bad weather only bad clothing. I work outside and layer and bundle up on cold days. I like working outside
You have a great presentation, clearly spoken directly at the camera with no artificial camera angles or fast edits. The lighting is sympathetic & natural, relaxing & a joy to watch.
Thank you! 😊 Yeah my goal is to create calmness for the viewers while talking about how to live a simpler life practically 🌿
Am 3/4 Scandinavian - maybe 100% with Irish. All the Nordic habits described here are my natural preferences/personality. Now I understand I’m missing my people/culture -born and living in the US. Always have dreamt of being somewhere that fits me better. Hope to visit and maybe live there soon.
Thanks for validating my perspectives.
Beautiful clean country. I live in New Zealand , which is also a beautiful place to live , but some of our citizens do not appreciate calmness , and cleanliness. We have also a big Graffiti problem , which blemishes the beautiful landscape.
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I love these rules. I feel like I really live this way as well. I live off the grid and my work is pottery. I have a peaceful life and I protect it. Next is to get a sauna.😊
Not from a nordic country, nor have nordic heritage, but this video definitely aligns with our values. The dividends are gratefully significant.
I live by these habits i am of Scandinavian heritage and love the Nordic way of living.
I love the "There is no bad weather, just bad clothing". That's greaaat!!
This video showed up in my feed and I am very happy about. I was born and raised in South America and in the Latino culture (for the most part) we have different approaches to life; for instance, we are loud, we do not understand the concept of personal space, we want to know (for the most part) everyone business, we like parties, get together, and know everyone business 😉. All of this bothered me when I was a child and teenager (like quietness, simplicity, personal space, and not feeling conversations need to happen all the time). I moved to the US when I was 20 to a big city and although this is an individualistic city, there are many things that I wish are different. I practice many of the items mentioned here. I love having time for myself and being in nature the most. I work as a mental health therapist and I always encourage my clients to cherish their time on their own and in nature, to always speak the truth, to feel comfortable in the silence, and mostly, to have balance. Thank you again for this great video and your channel. I can’t wait to explore it more.
Excelente comentario. Comparto el sentir. Saludos desde Bolivia.
I visited Finland in November 2014 and had a great solo trip traveling through the county. It reminds me in many ways of my home state, Wisconsin. I thought Finland was great and I loved how quiet and calm it was.
This video should be mandatory for classrooms in America, and the rest of the world, but mostly America
I'm from Hong Kong and a Nordic environment sounds perfect for me...🥲
In HK, the general noise and light pollution, super crowded everywhere, the overwhelming smells/fragrance in malls and bathrooms, how when in a group setting people usually talk over each other and not having a pause/interrupting when people talk, etc etc, are so stressful
Living in a cottage in the countryside for a few days as a norm sounds great! I tried something similar to that when I went to Ireland this May. It's so calm and peaceful, and I get to be close to animals because it's an animal sanctuary. I wish I have stayed outside late at night to watch the stars and the sky while laying on the grass, but it's cold and I love sleeping 😂
Makes me want to cry as I yearn for all of these things .. living in london is wonderful in many ways but it’s easy to get lost in the chaos .
This is so true. Though, the correct word is _'contentment'._ Happiness is a transient state.
I moved to Denmark from London, England 34 years ago, and this is _exactly_ what I have experienced living here. I work 32 hours a week, say 'no' without guilt, and find beauty and pleasure in the mundane. Visiting London has now become a bit traumatic and I literally need a week off work in order to recover😅🇩🇰
Yeah well said! Glad to hear you were able to find this peaceful place for you 🌱😊
I'm in college to become an exploration geologist. I plan on living in Norway and traveling for my job. Exploration geologists basically hike around all day and look for rocks and formations, they do some studies and research, sometimes take samples, and some other things. I love hiking, rocks, and animals, which is perfect! I'll be able to help learn about the earth that animals live on so I can help protect the animals homes. I'll be able to stay active and happy, I'll be making a lot of money by enjoying my daily hobbies. I can't wait to start working!
Yeah sounds like Norway is a great place for you! I've visited there twice and the hiking spots are 10/10 🙌🌿
As a geologist going to Norge, you might enjoy the film, "Troll", which is on TH-cam. In the fjäll, not all rock formations appreciate being disturbed!
The music and stores and heavy fragrances is almost everywhere in the area where I live in Florida. Even the people delivering groceries have lots of perfume on them and in their car and the grocery bags smell when I bring them in. The neighbors doing laundry can be a huge problem because it is so overpowering and there is no longer any natural fragrance simply from being outside. I wish people would be more aware of how heavy their fragrances are. But even in the stores, the detergent aisle, and other areas of the store are such strong, overpowering fragrances.
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I do my best to live this way in California. One can adopt these practices but may feel left behind by society. Like in my workplace, I don’t relate with large majority of people because I don’t watch most of the common movies and TV and pay attention to that kind of stuff. It seems like that’s the only way people talk to each other anymore…. I would rather talk about a tree or a squirrel.
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It’s tough to find silent/quiet in public spaces. The worst is when you go for petrol and all of the pump starts telling you the bad news of the world or yelling at you to buy things or advertising a terrible offensive movie.
Sporting events are constantly blaring noise and yelling too, baseball used to be enjoyable for me to attend, the calm, methodical actions of the game and silences..but no!now most ballparks fill every second with noise and apparently if you’re not screaming loud, you’re not having fun.
Agreed. We glorify materialism and debauchery. Also, the development of new communities is purely based on greed, not on providing enough green space for the health and mental sanity of people.
#actuallyautistic person here 🙋🏻♀️ The 🇺🇸 is very loud everywhere, all the time. I keep ear plugs on me all the time- in every bag, in my car, etc. I don’t feel badly for leaving a room or scene when I get overwhelmed! 😰 We all have our limits, as he said.
. Not so much in rural America! If I had headset on all the time, I would miss the greetings from neighbors and sounds of birds...it's not all bad here 😊
If you’re looking for friends at work, you’re already on the wrong track
@@curlycat4991 I also have earplugs in every pocket and jacket. It calms me knowing they are there when I need them in public spaces. Which is often.
I live in rural Vermont USA and share all these values in the video--but so much of American life encourages the opposite (consumerism, competition, fast talking, bright lights, speed, aggression) ... I would feel so at home in Finland! (Except for language barrier.) Thank you for the inspiring beautiful video!
Looks like a perfect place for me…I live in Colombia and it’s crazy here, specially for someone highly sensitive as me. Someone that enjoys silence, not party and stuff like that are not normal here so it’s hard to be like that here.
Listening over speaking…really listening and hearing….this is a rare rare happening in the world today. I grew up and was taught to listen, don’t interrupt, wait your turn, etc. people today are so busy forming what they’re going to say while you are talking. That they don’t even really hear what you’ve said! Maddening!
I’m American but I believe that in my soul I’m Nordic. All of these ways of living perfectly represent me and my way of living. Thank you for sharing this information.
When you mentioned "Finish what you start" I immediately wanted to return to the task I have to do at my job, but then I thought I should wait till the end of this video first! :D
Haha that's awesome 😄😄
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I have just returned from a week in Sweden. My first trip to a Nordic country. Coming from Ireland I was totally bemused at the sense of calm, respect and peace everywhere we went. This clip completely explains everything that puzzled me, every single point was entirely true to my observations. What a lovely society, I am so sorry I discovered it so late in life.
Your life advice is like a breath of fresh air.
I live in the US and it is the opposite here. I have all of these lifestyle aspirations (as in the video), and it is hard to fit into an opposite world.
One thing I would love is a restaurant where it is quiet, calm, and peaceful. (Not a bunch of people constantantly talking as loud as they can with food in their mouths, employees banging dishes and utensils, and sweeping the area near you while they bang your seat with the broom)
Restaurants here in the US quit focusing on quiet dining. Now they open the ceilings so we have to look at all the pipes and ductwork and it makes the rooms very noisy. I wish they used sound deadening materials on the walls and ceilings.
Its so crazy how you mention the music in public places being very low in 🇫🇮, I live in the 🇺🇸, every place here has extremely loud music, sometimes it’s so hard to have a conversation while having dinner at a restaurant. I was in 🇫🇮 in April, fell in love with the country, its people and the culture!
Wow I love this concept! As one who is hypersensitive to all senses I NEED this life.
Omg, Nordic countries totally rock and suit my mindset so well. Just the weather!!
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@@SunnyKindJourneyI don’t care the weather I want to move there but not sure if I can find job there 😢
I love the Nordic ways. This is a very healthy lifestyle I wish it was encouraged more in the United States. I think one reason I am happy is I immerse myself in the seasons with nature.
New here. I was raised on a small farm in Missouri, my family full blooded German and was raised much like you talk about on your videos. I've always loved more quiet, the outdoors and less crazy activities. Thank you for your videos.
I think I live in the wrong country/culture haha. Here I was thinking there was something wrong with me and really, it's probably just that I live in the wrong place haha.
I totally align with, practice, and need most, if not all, of the things you mentioned! And here in the US, I feel like I'm so out of balance with the expectations and practices of the country/society. I align way more with what you listed. I crave it and need it
My grandma is Finnish and speaks Finnish and lived in Minnesota. I am a nature loving minimalist and always feel out of touch with American consumption. It’s just really resonated deep down and I think it’s because of my roots.
I am so happy to know that Japan is trying their best to learn from Nordic countries in order to improve lives here! I really hope I can become a Japanese citizen! I love this country so much! But I also deeply admire and look to Nordic countries for inspiration in my life~
I am a normal Indian. This video is heaven to me. I love natural lights, jungle, isolation and very little noise. Thank you so much for sharing this 12 rules❤
I really enjoy your photos/short videos that you put in your videos, and as a finnish citizen I am happy that you show our beautiful, clean nature 🌲🌾
Thank you very much! 😊
I am an American with strong Swedish roots, went to a small liberal arts college in a town with Norwegian heritage. This verifies that I really do value my Nordic roots. I am now in my 50’s and have created a life that revolves around being in nature, I am ok with saying no to things I don’t really want to do, treasure silence and a few close friends. Love this video and will keep coming back to it!
Your country will literally increase my lifespan..
I can agree to this
Estoy casado con una Vikinga (Denmark), y es increíble como todos los aspectos en este video se identifican claramente con la personalidad y valores de mi esposa, me encanta es una cultura increíble
Truth, boundaries and silence = Peace. Thanks for sharing. This content is nice.
Well put! Thanks for watching 🙌
Everything you mentioned sounds like heaven.
Great topic and video. I live in the southeast United States. I had good parents who taught me well and had good values. These values and lifestyle are still practiced here. Not by everybody and maybe known by different names or titles. But still here. I guess I’m pointing this out for the people who are disappointed they don’t live in a Nordic country. Hope. Also, I think that “ content” is a better word than “happy”. J.M.O.
I’m American. I work in a stressful and 24/7 kind of job.
The best parts of my year are when I take the family to the beach for a week; or in the fall during hunting season when I spend a lot of time alone in the forest.
You need to disconnect. It’s so important. Great video.
I live in Minnesota and grew up here. I think we Minnesotans, as the most Nordic US state, share most of these values.
True. I came to u of m with scholarship in late 1990 and stay here since then. Developed all my hobby here, endless fun and outdoor activities
That’s because of the high number of Nordic settlers. It’s in your DNA. I was born and raised in MN, moved to Oregon about 8 years ago and I miss many things about home. Mostly, the people, their sensibilities, and respect for boundaries. For the most part, West coasters suck
I've watched this video twice now. Slowly. Absorbing it. These habits, values & philosophies resonate keenly with me. Life in the USA is absolutely the inverse of these values.much sadness in that realization. For a long time I have felt like a strange person , so different from my peers here in the USA. Not so. I just value different things, these things that you speak of. I look forward to exploring your channel more. You are touching peoples lives in a good and meaningful way.
Everytime I watch one of your videos, I feel at peace, it's hard balance everyday life, thanks for videos like this that helps me realize I'm on my own personal trip step by step. Thank you so much.
Super happy to hear that! 🌱 I try to keep the vibes calm and peaceful in the videos while still talking about things I find important and valuable. Sometimes it's easier said than done but I feel like I did a really good job with this one 😊 Thanks for watching!
I needed this video. It shows me so many ways i can implement these strategies into my life. All i want is peace and no anger. Just to live a simple life. ❤from Kansas
Happy that this popped up in your feed! 🌿😊
A lot of this sounds like a very spiritual existence. Desiring peace over status, being fully present in your life and aware of your surroundings, listening attentively to others and desiring a deeper connection with both people and nature surely will bring more happiness than material pusuits.
I grew up in a strongly Scandinavian culture in the States. What a useful privilege.
My grandparents were from Sweden and Norway. They were very peaceful grounded people.
Thank you for your videos.
They remind us of what is important.
I'm America we have lost most of what you hold dear.
What I hold dear also.
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Honestly, this sounds like paradise to me, I think I want to come and live in Findland! You have described everything I value!
You are very welcome! ❄️😊
This is fantastic timing. I've just finished listening to a series on "Toxic Productivity" where our insecurities about being a valued team-mate, or being seen as a valuable person, all can slowly drive Western people in business to ever crazier demands on themselves. They'll chase the latest app - or tinker endlessly with extensions or new systems in their existing apps! (I'm looking at you Notion and Obsidian obsessives! ;-) I had to leave Notion myself for this very reason.) But why assume we just need a better productivity system to 'get more done' - why not question how much we are trying to do in the first place!? I'm Australian - but my parents were English migrants. I must have some Viking blood in me somewhere. ;-)
Nature makes me happy
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Me too and the communications with her and her animals ❤
I'm Irish but honestly based on my life I feel more Scandinavian after watching this. Friend told me once I looked Nordic so it could be in my bones. I can see my travels going north as opposed to south in the future. Thanks.
I don't think there's a video that resonates with my soul as much as this video. Perfect timing too. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️