At a time when the world is facing something totally unprecedented, we have gone back to thinking of ourselves and our lives very consciously. Plans are being put on hold, weddings are being cancelled, and vacations are being postponed for the coming future. Nobody literally knows when all of that will resume again. But this overthinking has led many to discover the various philosophies of life that has enabled people throughout the world to lead a better life.
Most of us would have heard about the Japanese concept of the ‘ikigai’, which translates in English to mean ‘the reason for being’. Similarly, there is the Scandinavian idea of the ‘hygge’, which means ‘a mood of cosiness that comes from doing simple things like lighting candles, baking, or spending time at home with your family’ according to the Cambridge Dictionary.
Just like these concepts have been adopted the world over as alternative lifestyle trends, closer home in Goa, a traditional way of living life has come to be of renewed importance again. It is called the susegad, which comes from the Portuguese word sossagado, meaning ‘quiet’. When irritated, Goans will often say in Konkani, ‘Maka suseg di’ (Give me peace or quietness). This need for ‘quietness’ is actually associated with a yearning for ‘peace and satisfaction’, which many Goans place above all else in life.
It is difficult to say when the susegad spirit invaded Goa. Perhaps it is an offshoot of the Portuguese way of life or perhaps it is something that has its roots in the climate, culture, and habits of the people of Goa. With a tropical humid climate, Goa is a state where the summers are hot and the winters are balmy. No wonder, slumber is the only option in the afternoons! For Goans therefore, embracing the susegad life is the only way to be.
Recently, Clyde D’Souza published a book called Susegad: The Goan Art of Contentment which shows us the wonderful, unique elements that help Goans achieve susegad, and what you can do to add a pinch of this magic to your life, no matter where you live.
As Clyde takes us on a journey through Goa’s beautiful beaches, lush greenery, exquisite cuisine, mix of Portuguese and Konkani culture, its history, festivals, music and architecture, you’ll learn what makes Goans tick and how they’ve created habits and routines that lend happiness and calm to their lives. Interviews with noted Goans, short stories, recipes, and pictures in this book bring out what it means to be Goan, and what you can do to find your own susegad.
You can buy the book here.
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