{"id":190,"date":"2021-06-03T13:19:23","date_gmt":"2021-06-03T13:19:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/engage.augsburg.edu\/zobitz\/?p=190"},"modified":"2021-06-03T13:22:08","modified_gmt":"2021-06-03T13:22:08","slug":"on-alignment-and-balance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engage.augsburg.edu\/zobitz\/2021\/06\/03\/on-alignment-and-balance\/","title":{"rendered":"On alignment and balance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This moment was courtesy of my Fulbright buddy Hanna – who invited us to spend the day with her and visit her friend\u2019s family who has a summer cottage.   It was a beautiful day \u2013 the sun had finally come out after a week of rain.  Spring was in full bloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Me with Fulbright Finland alumni Minna & Hanna<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n