I recently re-experienced the joys, wonders, and awe found in a Finnish sauna. The first day reintroduced me to the way heat and cold touches my heart and mind. The second day, with others in the sauna, left reminders and lessons which linger long after the heat and the cold.
A sauna experience is complete when heat is juxtaposed with cold. As I approached the new sauna, I dialed in a relatively high target temp (86C) and more than enough time. With a cold shower next door, I enjoyed the cadence of intense heat followed by stinging cold. In the silence only broken by rocks moving in the heat and the cold water splashing everywhere, I rested in memories of Finland and Finnish friends.
Day two was a reminder of etiquette, preparation, and next steps. As my neighbor introduced himself, I wondered how the sauna would change. In the process I was taken to old lessons which are shaping the way I look at the day ahead.
Come prepared. Patience serves one well with sauna experiences. Preparation includes letting the sauna get to the right temperature, making sure you monitor your hydration levels (have water if you need), and if you bring water to raise the intensity, please make sure it is hot.
Learn from those before you. Every lesson applied is a personal choice. When one takes the wisdom passed, everything can be richer deeper. In this case, I switched out the cold water for hot, instead of pouring water on the rocks, I threw water on the dry wood paneled walls. Finally, with amble light from outside coming through the glass door, I turned off to let the heat go to work in peace filled darkness.
Always take the next step. Boldly walk into the cold shower and let it touch you in ways you never imagined or thought you needed.
As I rested in the calm silence after three rounds, I listened to old wisdom whispers. “Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.” (James 5.8)
