Embracing Balance and Moderation
Being a therapist and at one point, a pastor, I get to hear a lot of stories of suffering and despair. The reality it is all around us. When we tie in the impact of social media and armchair professionals, the exposure can be overwhelming. The Swedish concept of lagom, pronounced “lah-gom,” offers a refreshing alternative. Meaning “just the right amount” or “not too much, not too little,” lagom is about finding balance in every aspect of life. It encourages us to appreciate what we have, embrace moderation, and focus on what truly matters.
Originally from Sweden, “where equality, fairness, and simplicity have long been cultural cornerstones. There are many ideas on how the concept came to be. One popular legend traces the word back to the Viking era, where a communal sense of fairness was essential for survival. It’s said that lagom originated from the phrase “laget om,” meaning “around the team,” which described how food and drink were shared among the group. Everyone was encouraged to take just enough to ensure there was plenty for others, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and fairness.”
In the remainder of this post, the philosophical foundations, practical applications, and ways to incorporate lagom into daily life will be discussed.
Philosophical Underpinnings
We can find elements of lagom in a variety of other wisdom traditions. The Greek concept of “moderation in all things” jumps to mind and the Chinese notion of the yin and the yang is another. What sets lagom apart from these other ideas is the communal nature of lagom. Lagom integrates aspects of social responsibility and communal well-being. Lagom fosters a culture of moderation that is not only personal but also collective. It encourages the society to create sustainable and equitable living. The influences here extend beyond the personal like the Greek and Chinese ideas, impacting societal norms and environmental stewardship.
Addressing the impact on personal well-being lagom can answer a lot of our meaningless problems that we are experiencing today. Lagom takes the attention off ourselves and our incessant pursuit on more to the appreciate what is sufficient and meangiful. It will eventually help us see outside of ourselves and see the lack in others. Our human nature, our inherent divine presence will be moved to bow the divine in the other and see that they have enough, are fulfilled. Lagom encourages us to cultivate mindful practices that enhance our mental and emotional well-being, reducing stress and fostering a sense of contentment. This holistic approach to living extends to our professional lives as well, advocating for a balanced work-life dynamic that prioritizes well-being over relentless productivity.
Spiritual Applications
As noted above, there is an aspect of mindfulness in our reflection of lagom. We can also find many spiritual applications with lagom. In the lagom, the essence of “just the right amount” serves as a guide towards inner peace and tranquility. It encourages a harmonious relationship with nature, resonating with the principles of Taoism that emphasize balance and interconnectedness. Jesus often spoke against the pursuit of excessive wealth and material possessions. His teachings emphasized being content with what one has (Matthew 6:25-34) and warned against the dangers of greed (Luke 12:15). This aligns with the core of lagom, which values having enough and knowing when enough is enough, rather than constantly striving for more.
In practicing lagom, we foster a sense of presence, being fully attuned to the moment without the distraction of excessive desires. The spiritual practice of being present comes to mind. Being present as a practice enhances our feelings of contentment and balances and counters our feelings of living in the past or dwelling on the future. It is a mindful approach that not only supports our spiritual growth but also nurtures a profound appreciation for the simplicity and sufficiency in our lives. By embracing lagom, we can cultivate a state of peace that permeates our daily existence, enabling us to live with greater intention and awareness.
In Closing – Lagom in Everyday Life
When I first heard of this concept a few weeks ago, I knew I had to write on it. I have been deeply moved by the concepts of deep ecumenism since my time in college. While I have been a student of Western and Eastern monastic practices for the entirety of my adult life, I find that there is always more to learn. Lagom, like many of the practices I use in therapy come from a central space, in therapy, it is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, in lagom, it is mindfulness and awareness of the other.
It is felt that we can gain a lot from practicing lagom. In closing, let us reflect on these areas where we can use lagom in everyday life:
- Work-Life Balance – there are 24 hours a day, how much are you devoting to yourself, your family and friends? If the answer is not enough, perhaps it is time to reflect on how lagom can guide your work – life balance.
- Simplicity in Living – we live in a society of stuff. I am as guilty as most. I have mostly a lot of camping and outdoor gear and books. Too much according to my wife. I have since getting back into long distance backpacking guilty of not having enough or even the right piece of gear. If this sounds familiar, revisiting lagom or even the practice of feng sui can be a guide to simplify things.
- The Lasting Impact of Lagom – the lasting impact of lagom fosters a collective culture of moderation and fairness, which transcends individual well-being and propels us towards a sustainable and equitable future. Harmony, simplicity and balance can free up emotional energy, leading to lessened feelings of stress, depression and anxiety.
- Encouraging a Global Shift Towards Balance – When we in our communities and our families engage in lagom as a system, we promote sustainability, which in turn enhances social equity, improves mental and emotional well-being, fostering global cooperation, and encourages mindfulness. Lagom can help us create a more harmonious, equitable, and sustainable world for all.
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