Do the vagaries of your day-to-day life leave you feeling jaded? Has your work swallowed up all your personal time, making you feel burnt-out? Do you have a constant nagging sensation of dissatisfaction with everything around you?
Modern life, even with all its fruits and benefits, has done great disservice to our mental health. Despite the many technological, medical and socio-cultural advancements at its disposal, the present generation finds itself increasingly haunted by feelings of despair, malaise and a lingering sadness. What then, one might ask, is the solution? The answer is Susegad!
What is Susegad?
Susegad comes from the Portuguese word ‘sossagado’. If you were to imagine the emotion the word is supposed to invoke, it’s that of the feeling you get when you’re completely relaxed, in a blissful place where you wish you could stay forever. The Goan susegad is not a pursuit of but a state of happiness. The Goan way of life is all about taking a step back, slowing down and living in the present, an age old formula that’s regaining popularity amidst the tired cries of this generation.
The magical potions that make up Susegad
There are three ingredients that are integral to the concept of Susegad and how it unfolds for the denizens of Goa.
- Climate
The weather in Goa is mostly sunny and often humid. Summers are balmy. Goa’s geographical location gives it the distinct advantage of a warm sea breeze that blows across changing seasons. The environment rules the moods and feelings of Goans, who have learnt to with sea breeze on one side and a tropical forest on the other.
- Culture
Goa presents a delicious cultural blend of Indian Hindu and Portuguese Catholic cultures, an aspect that has filtered down to the way people approach situations, challenges and day-to-day life in the state. The language is a lilting mix of Konkani and Portuguese, wherein phrases are made up of both languages. Goan cuisine too is a melting pot of native styles mixed with Portuguese and other colonial influences. Goa learnt that, to find peace, it is necessary to embrace differences. The susegad spirit also arises from this intercontinental cultural marriage.
- Habits
Habits have a way of compounding over time. Goans have made susegad habits a part of their everyday life. It’s an automatic system, from the little things like buying poee (bread) in the morning to taking a siesta in the afternoon. Habits that contribute to a susegad frame of mind arise from a combination of culture and climate. Goans have respect for the environment and recognize the role that it plays in their happiness, satisfaction and lifestyle.
It is important to note here that these habits are so integral to the lifestyle of Goans that it doesn’t feel like a chore for them. Instead, it is a way of life; rituals they’ve integrated so deeply into their lives that they hardly notice them.
The three Ms that make Susegad what it is
There are three Ms that explain the concept of Susegad and the feelings it engenders
Meditative – A meditative state of mind is central to the idea of susegad. It does not necessarily translate into closing of eyes and breathing but performing each activity, no matter big or small, with intense focus.
Mindful – This would mean to acknowledge the situation, be it the weather or storms in your life. It’s important to be present in the situation and accept it, rather than dwell on things that may be or could be. The Goan way is to be accepting of wherever you are in life.
Moment – Living in the moment is an art that Goans have mastered. They have learned to do this in how they eat, or what they do as per the season. In fact, if you ask a Goan, ‘Koso hai? [How’s life?]’, they’ll answer, ‘’ You ask them, ‘Family kehay? [How’s family?]’ and the reply will be, ‘Susegad.’
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