Hot Bodies and Sweaty Saunas

Every year needs a really good beginning. 
This New Year's Day, I spent a large part of my day at the sauna. I, probably like you, used to think that a sauna was only for extremely fit people with high maintenance outlooks on life. This sauna was different, is totally authentic, finnish and wood-fired. Tucked behind a beautiful red lodge you have to pass stacks and stacks of freshly cut wood to get to the Sauna that sits on the lake. Every time I visit I feel like I have stepped into a story.

Visiting includes sitting in the sauna (180 degrees) as long as you can stand it followed by jumping in the lake. This is repeated until exhausted. The community of Scandanavians who visit there have been going for years and because of this, bodies are just bodies. Young, old, fit, not, we're all just there enjoying the steam and hot and chatting about family, lifestyle or jobs. Everyone is a friend, which is refreshing. Being completely comfortable with yourself and inviting of others without feeling vulnerable is one of the good things in life.

Because it was freezing I did not go in the lake. My friend, who introduced me to the Sauna, is hardcore and dipped completely in the water. My elated laughing is directed at the old man who offered to take a picture of us. If there was ever a time I would look ready for a hipster photo shoot, it would be the time when caught wearing snow coat, boots and swim suit. 

I am a little surprised at the joy in my voice. It is probably that the authentic antiquated feel, resonates with that part of me that desperately loves nature and wishes to spend more time in it. It felt like a small part of Alaska found me living in Massachusetts and asked that I not forget about it.

And so, there I silently stood, musing at the edge of a lake, watching the sun set on the first day of the new year, incredibly grateful for all that I've been given and despite an unclear future, ready with renewed calm to meet what comes.