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With the Team "all together" in Finland (there are only four of us), we have been treating the *foreigner* (I am considered local in these things) to some Finnish customs. Last night, we just headed out to dinner together, but tonight we went into the forest and spent a few hours at one of the many public camp sites, where there were multiple firepits and plenty of wood (mostly dry) cut and ready. This is a really common activity in Finland.

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/tarazkp/23xKxdoWxhfpYMspQGc71SBx5ie7cqTDPpduMGcHRz6To9YSUUXdwVqe7C6gY4GsG2y4G.png)

The "agenda" was to get to know each other in a bit of a different way so what we did was each had about half an hour to talk about ourselves, with the others able to ask clarifying questions, but not "hijack" the conversation. It worked relatively well, though I do think there was a fair bit of hijacking going on. 

Being out in the forest meant that we were essentially in a different mindset and what I have found is, once people are talking while walking in nature, they become far more reflective and dare I say it, philosophical. I think that in general, the people who spend a lot of time soaking in natural environments tend to be calmer, and perhaps this comes down to that change in mindset, where the brain needn't worry about filling itself, but can concern itself with  understanding what it already has.

Nature is somewhat like a sensory depravation chamber, as while there is plenty to see, hear and even do - there is also a type of oneness that comes with it, making the movements less constricted and conflicted. It is a space where "not much can be done" but plenty of thinking can take place, an opportunity to defrag the day, week or lifetime. 

I don't think I ever really appreciate my time in the forest and I am there or perhaps, until after I leave there and reflect on my experience "away" from life. It of course isn't away, it is just a different aspect of it. 

And, I think that our colleague who was definitely not prepared for this kind of trip, we loaned hi some clothes, really loved the chance to get away from the grind and see a side of Finland (and colleagues) that he wouldn't normally get to see. I believe that it is these kinds of "nothing" everyday events that is what he will remember and likely treasure in time to come.

Tomorrow, we take him to a public sauna where he will get to experience a decent sauna and, the opportunity to go straight into the lake for a dip and then back into the sauna again. It is a great feeling and even I am looking forward to it, as our place is not close enough to the lake to do this. 

The days have been utterly filled with team development and project work, so it is nice to have these alternative activities in the evening. However, they are taking a lot of time from my evenings and they don't quite satisfy as much as writing, so I still feel I haven't *reflected enough.*

There is still time in the evening to dive into it, but I dropped a muscle relaxant about 30 minutes ago as my back has been out of shape for almost three weeks, and it is kicking in now. It makes me drowsy for a little while and, my eyes struggle to focus for a bit, so I will *put my pen down* for a little while before starting on anything too intensive. 

Just a moment to let it all go and recover.

And btw, the pot is filled with coffee...

Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]


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