A blog about simplicity, nature and happiness.

Latest Writings

Writings
Unlock your language-superpowers: flashcards and spaced repetition
Unlock your language-superpowers: flashcards and spaced repetition

Flashcards is the silver bullet of language learning, and the single most important method in a language learnerā€™s toolbox. They take next to no time to make, yet trigger your memory in a way that feels much like youā€™ve unlocked a superpower.

The thousand seasons of nature
The thousand seasons of nature

In northern forests, there are four seasons. Spring, summer, autumn and winter. But this is a simplification. It overlooks the thousand smaller seasons of nature.

Thank you, Anne, for helping me on the bus
Thank you, Anne, for helping me on the bus

I can only remember meeting my grandaunt once, over 20 years back. At the time, I was just a child, and remember only three things from the encounter. Yet, it tied us together forever.

Saving insects through effective altruism
Saving insects through effective altruism

I want to see the world covered in colourful wildflower meadows buzzing with life. Among all the approaches to achieving this, some are 25 000 times more efficient at saving insects than others!

My 10 Favourite Books of 2022
My 10 Favourite Books of 2022

2022 was a year of exploring how be healthier, happier and more productive in my day to day, and the books Iā€™ve read have reflected this. Here are my 10 favourites.

Democracies in peril and other small great dramas
Democracies in peril and other small great dramas

Use your eyes, use your curiosity, and open your heart to the wonders of the many small great miracles that surround us. Make your decisions based on everyone it impacts, and know that there is more that happens in the world than our human dramas.

First (and failed) attempt at minimalist hiking
First (and failed) attempt at minimalist hiking

Donā€™t bring an electric toothbrush, but for the love of God, please bring the matches. Those are two of the many hard earned lessons from our first and failed attempt at minimalist hiking.

Seven questions to figure out what really matters
Seven questions to figure out what really matters

What is standing in the way of my musts? When did I give so much meaning to my possessions? What is truly important in my life? Why am I discontented? Who is the person I want to become? How will I define my success? How will my life improve if I own less stuff?

How to consistently practice a foreign language with your partner?
How to consistently practice a foreign language with your partner?

To consistently practice a new and difficult language with your partner, may seem like an impossible task. But donā€™t worry ā€“ it doesnā€™t have to end in frustration and breakup. Here are 5 tips for success.

Hi! Iā€™m Erlend šŸ˜Š

Iā€™m an author, photographer and teacher, using this blog to explore how to live happier more meaningful lives for ourselves, the planet, and everyone around us. Some of my favourite topics include:


ā›… Happiness and inner purpose
šŸ’š Minimalism and sustainability
šŸ¾ Nature and wildlife
šŸ„• Health and nutrition
šŸŒŽ Society and equality
āœļø Creativity and productivity
šŸ’¬ Language learning

Find out more