Summer cottage boat in Savonlinna
I think in our modern age we often feel uncomfortable with silence. I think we are all guilty of it. Healthy boredom is something we don't really seem to understand anymore. Perhaps our minds have become accustomed to constantly consuming information, and we feel the need to escape whenever we are faced with moments of quiet.
This past summer I was in Finland and we went out on the lake to fish at my cousin's summer cottage. It was 10:30 at night, very bright out, and the silence was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Being surrounded by the water, trees, and nature was something very special. It felt like you were experiencing life in a simpler way, surrounded by nature and away from the distractions of everyday life.
I remember being out on the lake and it felt so peaceful. It was so nice to not have the noise of cars or modern distractions. There was just the sound of the water, the trees around the lake, and the stillness of the evening.
Experiencing this moment made me think about how much our environment can shape us. In Finland, where forests, lakes, and quiet spaces are such a normal part of everyday life, perhaps it helps explain why silence is viewed differently than in many other places.
Summer cottage in savonlinna
In Finnish culture, silence is not viewed as a bad thing. In fact, it is embraced. Cottage life, or mökki culture, is an important part of Finnish life and is often seen as a way to escape the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Fishing on the lake, going to the sauna together, swimming, and spending time outdoors are all part of the experience of slowing down and reconnecting with nature. These simple moments made me realize how easy it is to forget to appreciate what is around us.
I think being surrounded by this kind of environment has shaped the way Finnish people view silence and stillness. This same attitude toward silence can also be seen in everyday conversations, where silence is often viewed as a natural part of communication and an opportunity to leave room to breathe.
Perhaps we all need to make more time to experience nature. Being out on that lake in Finland reminded me how valuable silence can be and how important it is to reconnect with the natural world. I think sometimes the quietest moments are the ones that stay with us the longest.
Very good thoughts about the culture. This was a huge shock of our family when praxis came in- he couldn’t handle the quiet hahah.