If you have ever spent time on a lake, there are moments on blue sky sunny days when nature comes into alignment. The birch leaves with the sun shining through are sparkling emeralds. The water, reflecting the sun, can be mistaken as a sea of shimmering sapphires. This is a special time of day – and I had the privilege of experiencing such a moment on these last few weeks of our time in Finland. Everything felt in alignment, but I know this comes on borrowed time.
This moment was courtesy of my Fulbright buddy Hanna – who invited us to spend the day with her and visit her friend’s family who has a summer cottage. It was a beautiful day – the sun had finally come out after a week of rain. Spring was in full bloom.
The summer cottage is situated on a lake where they are the only human inhabitants. Slowly, lovingly, they are built a haven to unwind from the day to day life (with plenty of projects). Beyond the vistas of the lake they also have an authentic Finnish smoke sauna where we went in and out several times (the kids loved it). I was able to jump into the cool lake after the sauna several times. This experience was uniquely Finnish, and it was a gift.
The smoke sauna warming up. 
A view of the front. 
The lake was really peaceful and calm on this spring day.
Hanna remarked to me recently that they move in two seasonal rhythms – “winter time” – a more inward focused time where they tend to stay home more, cook, catch up on reading and “summer time” – as you can imagine is the opposite: the social calendar is filled, with visits with friends, enjoying the outdoors, swimming, gardening, hobbies, etc. Naturally the contrast between these two times align with seasonal rhythms (which I can appreciate living in Minnesota). Right now in this moment there is so much light that you can’t help but be energized by it.
This “summer time” during this year does seem extra special because there is hope – vaccinations are progressing in Finland (currently 40+ can book a vaccine), COVID-19 infections are receding (which almost seems at parity with Minnesota). I’ve heard a lot of comments that things are getting “back to normal”. In many ways, winter time has lasted for 15 continuous months and people are ready and eager to shake off the vestiges.
I’ve received several gifts from Finland during this Fulbright experience: networking in an outdoor fireplace during a blizzard, crossing the Arctic Circle to visit Santa Claus, visiting a castle from the 1400s. These experiences help me reflect on what it means to live a life with some measure of balance (or harmony). I’ve been at my career for fourteen years, and this feels very much like a midpoint (or some inflection point) – and for the long haul some degree of sustainability intersection of my career, personal life, family, and my own anxieties needs to be achieved. The Finnish work ethic does help support the intersection. Boundaries for working hours are respected, July is a month where people are on holiday (at the lake!). Mental health is taken seriously. Access to nature (for everyone) is a right. Like this video urges, it helps to see the forest for the trees.
These things (in addition to all the other uniquely Finnish things we’ve accumulated) return with me. Now excuse me as I go soak up some more experiences before we return.
