This Finnish wellbeing movement will help get you through the first months of 2021
If you’ve ever had to dig deep and find a strength you never knew you had, you’re already embracing sisu…
Over the last few years, we’ve found ourselves, not merely adding Scandi words to our vocabulary, but going as far as to alter our lives in an attempt to achieve their divine enlightenment. The most prevalent of which being hygge. Hygge is a Danish concept that cannot be translated to one single word in English, but essentially it encompasses a feeling of cosy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple things in life. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of books written on the subject, as there are on other Scandi ways of life. There is, however, one term that hasn't been given the same literary attention; sisu.
Hailing from neighbouring Finland, sisu is a term steeped in Finnish heritage and has been chronicled by English-speaking press, albeit seldomly, as far back as World War II. Described as stoic determination, the tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, and resilience, sisu is held by Finns themselves to express their national character. And, much like hygge, you’ve likely experienced sisu without even realising it.
Sisu is what guides you through tragic or testing circumstances; it’s a will to survive and make it through whatever it is that stands to debilitate you; like a mountain in your path. Joanna Nylund, the author of Sisu: The Finnish Art of Courage, summarises it as ‘an action-oriented mindset.’ You don’t brag about having sisu; you simply ‘let your actions do the talking.’
Sisu, however, isn’t merely present in your darkest hour; it can also help you in the day-to-day. It contributes to physical and mental wellbeing and helps you better communicate with those around you. You can raise your kids to have sisu. You can use it as the basis for leading an active, healthy life. You can leverage it to progress toward your goals, and it might even help you find happiness.
It would seem, that whatever struggle you’re facing, in whatever aspect of your life, that you can take steps to overcome them with sisu. It’s not about climbing the entire mountain, after all—it’s about harnessing the determination you need to take the first step.