small island on a lake in Finland in winter

I own an island

31.3.2022
Joy, Noticing

I own an island!

No, this is not an early April Fool’s joke.

Although it’s not an island with palm trees and a sandy beach.

It’s an island in lake Kovesjärvi, at our new retreat center in Parkano. Part of the property is a small island called Pikkusaari (literally translates as small island!).

Last week I walked to my island.

Yes, this is Finland and we can walk on the ice in the winter! The ice can get over 50 centimeters thick and in some parts of Finland there are ice roads. You can drive on the ice, even with a truck.

This was me walking though. The snow on the ice had melted on warm days while the ice cover is still thick.

Very pleasant conditions for walking on the ice.
Nobody around.

I could hear crunching sounds when walking.

The sun was setting behind the island. I wanted to enjoy the orange scenery with the island and tree on the opposite shore.

It was all quiet. A moment earlier I saw a few crows.

I felt warm in my chest having this little adventure on my own and warmth from the walking.

I was not in a hurry. This moment was just for myself to feel my body moving and listening to the sounds of my steps and taking time to look around.

I had no schedule or plan.
Just me walking.

Why am I writing to you about this?

For me it is important to pause in short beautiful moments. Actually even more so: creating short beautiful moments for myself, or noticing one when it’s there without any plan or idea.

I tend to be a doer and busy much of the time. My natural way of being tends to be moving and doing. Unless I’m reading a book – then I can be with my book for hours without a need to do anything more ”productive”.

I also want to share my joy with you.

And I am curious: when did you last feel joy?

When did you feel moved to do something spontaneous on your own and had a surprisingly good time?

I also recorded a video of walking to my island in the sunset, you can watch it below: