As I take in the smell of a freshly brewing pot of afternoon coffee on a rainy day, I am thinking about the Swedish custom of “fika” and how it can manifest in an online social space. 

A few years ago at my school, I started a practice of brewing a couple French presses and organizing pastries for people to bring in to share once a week. We had 20 minutes to gather and recharge and put aside work for a few minutes. It was a chance to connect and enjoy slowing down and building a community. 

What would that look like here? Maybe a channel that acts as the “break room” for a digital “coffee and pastries” check-in? I’ve had visions of building something in this spirit, and maybe this app is the launching pad for something like that. 

In the meantime, I highly encourage those who don’t know about it to read about the practice of “fika.”

As I take in the smell of a freshly brewing pot of afternoon coffee on a rainy day, I am thinking about the Swedish custom of “fika” and how it can manifest in an online social space. 

A few years ago at my school, I started a practice of brewing a couple French presses and organizing pastries for people to bring in to share once a week. We had 20 minutes to gather and recharge and put aside work for a few minutes. It was a chance to connect and enjoy slowing down and building a community. 

What would that look like here? Maybe a channel that acts as the “break room” for a digital “coffee and pastries” check-in? I’ve had visions of building something in this spirit, and maybe this app is the launching pad for something like that. 

In the meantime, I highly encourage those who don’t know about it to read about the practice of “fika.”

https://swedishfood.com/fika

Educator. Coffee enthusiast. Obsessive John Mayer fan.

Seems interesting. I will definitely read about it.

Sounds like a cozy and inviting tradition you started at your school! It's amazing how simple things like coffee and pastries can bring people together. Enjoy your fika time and may it continue to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved. Stay safe and well!