2: Happiness for Tourists

 

The concept of being able to go somewhere, relax, and find some peace sounds like a package deal to relieve some stress. I can see the benefit of floating in water, as I saw many people at the sauna in Norderney radiate peace; however, it is not for everyone, and it has to be approached in a specific way.

I came with the illusion that I would come out of the sauna like a completely different person. I loved learning about the culture beyond the expensive spas in the US and experiencing what “loyl” is. I felt the anticipation of being relaxed and with smooth skin from the benefits of sea water. It wasn't until I was floating in a dark, hot sea water bath when I closed my eyes and thought,  “Relax, relax… how much time until my MCAT?” I could not relax; I kept having a wandering mind. I would describe it as someone wandering through the desert, thirsty,  while having a well of water in front of them, and just staring at it.  I changed different methods by having a cold plunge and then a hot bath to feel something. I left feeling a little refreshed, but still with a mind full of thoughts. I woke up the next day with my eczema flared up and a confused mind. 

I felt disappointed that my mind and body did not completely let this beautiful culture and therapy allow itself to be embraced. I wanted to feel and learn, experience and tell, yet I realized, through self-reflection, that it is not completely the sauna and sea water that gives that therapy, but entering with the mindset of completely wanting to let go. I was waiting for a miracle, when I was the one who had to make the change, and then let the sauna/water baths absorb all the stress. Like we learned in class, this can be a spiritual change, and I did not mentally prepare. Perhaps with practice and repetition, I could master the enjoyment of this therapy. As for my skin, maybe it was the sea water, or even stress, that made it flare up, but I was hoping for some relief.

When reading the article, “Finland Says It Can Teach Tourists to Be Happy. Challenge

Accepted.” I found it extremely realistic. After the author spent time doing what the Finnish do to relax, she found herself in loneliness. She realized she focused too much on following a recipe to be relaxed, rather than allowing herself and mentally prepare to be relaxed in her own way. In class, we learned how this beautiful culture finds its peace, yet one has to get reminded, this is not just a fun activity, but rather a spiritual one. 

Overall, while sauna and spa therapies can offer deep relaxation and even spiritual renewal, their effectiveness depends less on the water or temperature and more on the mindset brought into the experience. Both my own time in the sauna and the insights from the NYT article revealed that peace cannot be forced or prescribed; it has to be welcomed. True benefit comes not just from the external treatment, but from an internal willingness to pause, release control, and let stillness do its work. With time, practice, and intention, I now understand that these therapies can be transformative, not because they change us, but because they give us space to change ourselves.