Understand Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem is the Latin aphorism for “seize the day”.  To be more precise: the poet named Horatius, who lived in the 1 century BC used it in one of his poems.

So this concept of Carpe Diem is not new judging by its Latin origin. However, now nearly 2000 years later, it could still be applied to our lives.

Let’s just pause for a moment and think of it.

Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.

Most of us work very hard. We have tons of responsibilities. Amidst juggling the careers,  families, friendships and hobbies we tend to focus on what shall be done. We think of a long to-do lists, worrying that something might go wrong or not the way we planned it. 

We focus on the future and forget about the present and the life that is happening right now around us.

It is the issue I was dealing with personally and I saw that a lot around me too. For example, a few years ago, I spent a lot of time travelling with my friend, who was very enthusiastic and full of energy. And what I noticed: when we came to an ancient city and stopped for a coffee with the view over river, she started discussing our plans for Paris. All right, we are in Paris, enjoying some drinks with delicious foie gras. She starts speaking of the visit to Normandy. Well, we are in breathtaking Etretat in Normandy, trying fresh oysters - she brings up another trip to the mountains for skiing. I could go on with this list, but I won’t as I am sure you see where I am going with it.

After all we even had a talk about it and I told her that I loved discussing future plans for sure but I was also  willing to learn to pause and stay present in that very moment that we discussed a while ago and we were looking forward to. I wanted to learn to appreciate every bit of it and feel it with all my senses: enjoy the rhythmic sound of the waves or the noise of the big city, the smell of the fruity wine, the taste of local delicacies, the touch of the sunshine on the skin and the views over mesmerising nature.

I am not saying we shall not have long-term plans and not think of some strategic steps we should take to achieve the goals we set for ourselves. No, it’s important to have such plans. What I am saying is that those plans shall not take all of our lives, let’s not spend the whole life waiting for the plans to come true and then immediately move to another plan. Let’s not forget to pause a little, appreciate the moment that is happening right now.

Carpe Diem is about seeing the beauty of life, at exactly this moment, right now, and being able to drop deep into the senses and let go of the business around you, being able to appreciate it and feel the gratitude.  I was speaking of the trips above but this concept applies to day-to-day life too: let it be a slow morning with savoury breakfast with your loved one. Don’t think of work at this moment. Give yourself 30 minutes and dedicate it completely to your senses at this very moment: appreciate the invigorating effect after a few sips of your coffee, appreciate the crispiness of the bread, appreciate the smile of your loved one who is sitting across the table and sharing this moment with you. 

Have a lovely time of the day after reading it and tell us about your favourite Carpe Diem moments!