One staple of our Winter retreat is the sauna experience. Originating in Finland and dating back over two thousand years ago, this practice is immensely popular around the world to this day for a number of reasons. Cleansing through perspiration, being good for the nerves and tired muscles, and rejuvenating the mind and body are some of the time tested results people find with regular use of the sauna.

Essentially a communal space, sauna traditionally is meant to be enjoyed in the company of others, whether it is family or friends. The pure enjoyment and relaxing nature from coming together forms much of its benefits to the body and soul as it’s other more well-known health benefits. The power of social connection remains a strong contributing factor to our wellbeing.

Some retreatants from last year’s Winter retreat feeling refreshed after a sauna + snow jump! Photo credit: Lara Huber

While in Finland, sauna is something people do year round. Often there is at least a day dedicated to the practice, usually Saturdays. Going to the sauna is not some exclusive sort of club but an activity that everybody enjoys. I remember from personal experience how this Finnish culture came through at my grandparent’s home. Growing up with a half-Finnish mother, I thought it was interesting how at one point they didn’t have “indoor plumbing,” but they did have a sauna. Many people in Finland prioritize building the sauna on the property before they build the house showing how much of a natural part of life it is.

During the winter time especially, we like to emphasize this warming ritual because of the cold properties present in the Midwest. Whether you are new to the sauna or use one regularly, you will find a very welcoming and nurturing introduction to the sauna at our retreat. Christin, who’s family has built her own sauna and has a regular practice will share some of the traditional aspects of the experience that have often been lost through westernization. In her own word she invites you:

“Get ready to enjoy a sauna experience like you’ve not experienced before as we bring the traditional ritual back to the sauna. We will marry many European traditions of the German and Finnish sauna ritual. Experience the Aufguss ritual of placing ice balls on the hot stones that contain freshly made essential oils from surrounding trees and having the Löyly (sauna steam/spirit of life) directed your way as you breathe in the vapors. There will also be the traditional Vihtas for “whipping” (get ready) to achieve maximum relaxation and fun! This entire ritual will come to a close with a cold burst roll in the snow or soaking in the cold air in the forest. Then, repeat. You will be guided through this experience and allowed to sit by the roaring fire in the woods afterwards in contemplation in the company of others as you take in the natural beauty of this practice and time of year.”

We have the benefit of a larger sauna than usual as we are bringing in one from Nomad Sauna which will be complete with an enclosed area for changing and sitting which we didn’t have in year’s past. There will be a guided sauna session as described above on Friday under the full moon in Cancer that will call forth even more healing. You will learn more about it all when you come to the retreat! For those wanting to have a night cap post the sauna experience, Christin’s favorite night time tea ceremony will take place the evening after our formal sauna practice. (Stay tuned for next week’s blog all about tea!)

Please note we booked the sauna for the entire weekend so there will be plenty of time for you to explore your own meaningful ceremony in this space should you feel drawn to it. There will be set hours the fires are stoked and depending on space available and interest there will be a sign up sheet if necessary to ensure you get the time you would like in there.

Have you signed up yet? We would love to have you there and still have some room!

To book your spot you may pay here, or get in touch with us about payment plans or any other questions you may have via kjh@kali.mn!

Looking forward to meeting you in the sauna and retreating with you soon!

See you next week for tea :)

Kali (written by)