Susegad- Goa's mantra for happiness
In a world constantly in a race for success, wealth, and competition, many people are in search of peace and calm. Now, more than ever, we find ourselves chasing after the Japanese, "Ikigai'', the Danish, "Hygge '', and the Buddhist "Nirvana '', to fulfill a sense of contentment in our lives.
We Goans, needn't look further, we have our own soul soothing mantra, - 'Susegad'. Stemming from the Portuguese word, "sossegado", meaning quiet, this concept of Goa has existed for centuries with each one having their own interpretation.
"Susegad means the attitude of not caring about the future and maintaining a lifestyle of being happy with the present, and content with the belongings that you possess", says Mohini P., originally from Kerala, but settled in Goa for many years. "However, our parents understand the term to have been suitably used when the pace of life was not as fast as it is today".
"I think a lot of people have misconceptions of what it means to be susegad, they think that it means being chilled out and not bothered about anything in life, but that isn't true," says Brandon, "to me it is being calm minded in every situation."
80+ year old, A. Viegas, of Goan origin, settled in the 'City that Never Sleeps'- Mumbai, post marriage, says that to her, it means, "to take it easy, and not rush into anything". According to Vikram, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, "Goa possesses a magic wand ‘Susegad’, that can add a much needed sparkle in people's hectic lives."
"Goa is apart from other places because it has an attitude like susegad. In a fast-paced world like today's, we tend to be bogged down with whatever work or chores we have and forget to live and let live," ends Mohini.
Months back, a Goan politician created a buzz when he announced an item on his agenda for the 2022 elections in the state: "A compulsory siesta hour anytime between 1-4pm. It was to be Goa’s embrace of the susegad — taking time out to enjoy life’s little pleasures, siesta included."
So perhaps in present times, Goan susegad is a need of the hour.
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