The sauna culture in Europe is more than just sitting in a hot sauna. Many municipalities have publicly funded indoor swimming pools that often include something like a “Saunaland” of five or more saunas of different temperatures and type. The different saunas may include traditional Finnish ones with wood fired stoves in the middle or wellness saunas with light therapy. There are even spa towns that center around these facilities. For example, Baden-Baden in Germany has two baths with saunas--one styled after the earlier Roman bath and a modern facility.
One of the rituals is the “Aufguss” where an infusion where water containing a very aromatic blend of herbs is ladled over the stones of the heater producing steam. The ceremony continues with an attendant swirling a towel to distribute the infused vapor. Many saunas have a clock to show when the Aufguss will take place. It’s a great experience.
For those not familiar with the practice, it is this: A group of strangers gather in the inferno of a gymnasium-sized sauna and flagellate the self by holding one's body in various contortions unimaginable for inhuman durations. This continues for about an hour or so, depending on the prevailing masochism of the group.
The particular group I found myself in was very enthusiastic. I couldn't imagine what we'd done to find ourselves in that place, or why I was the only one not radiating contentedness.
It is self-evident, by this writing, that I survived. However - since the human body is 60% water, I can positively assure you that only 40% of my physical being escaped the building.
Once outside, I extricated myself from a completely saturated straitjacket that just over an hour previous had been a crisp, comfortable t-shirt. I wrung it out on the sidewalk, instinctively swiveling my head in search of police. To this day it remains unclear to me if depositing a quart of one's sweat on the pavement is some type of ordinance violation.
Everything I've recounted to this point is pretty grim, so here's the good stuff:
Once at home, while reconstructing my body with ridiculous volumes of water, it set in. What's the "it"? I don't think there are words adequate in bringing justice to the sense of oneness and serenity of the "it" I imply. Circumstances in my world certainly didn't change by way of hot yoga, but perhaps more importantly - my perceptions, perspectives, and ability to assess this world - improved greatly.
Peace is not high. Peace is not lazy. Peace is not selfish.
Peace is calmly and actively being. Peace is the knowing of our true oneness with all life - and the equality it demands.
This is a very valuable and informative article, Thom. Thank you !!! Now all I have to do is figure out how to get a sauna installed in our home.
I’ve found that long hot baths work just as well… :)
OK. Good to know. Thanks, Thom.
The sauna culture in Europe is more than just sitting in a hot sauna. Many municipalities have publicly funded indoor swimming pools that often include something like a “Saunaland” of five or more saunas of different temperatures and type. The different saunas may include traditional Finnish ones with wood fired stoves in the middle or wellness saunas with light therapy. There are even spa towns that center around these facilities. For example, Baden-Baden in Germany has two baths with saunas--one styled after the earlier Roman bath and a modern facility.
One of the rituals is the “Aufguss” where an infusion where water containing a very aromatic blend of herbs is ladled over the stones of the heater producing steam. The ceremony continues with an attendant swirling a towel to distribute the infused vapor. Many saunas have a clock to show when the Aufguss will take place. It’s a great experience.
I took a hot yoga session a few years ago.
For those not familiar with the practice, it is this: A group of strangers gather in the inferno of a gymnasium-sized sauna and flagellate the self by holding one's body in various contortions unimaginable for inhuman durations. This continues for about an hour or so, depending on the prevailing masochism of the group.
The particular group I found myself in was very enthusiastic. I couldn't imagine what we'd done to find ourselves in that place, or why I was the only one not radiating contentedness.
It is self-evident, by this writing, that I survived. However - since the human body is 60% water, I can positively assure you that only 40% of my physical being escaped the building.
Once outside, I extricated myself from a completely saturated straitjacket that just over an hour previous had been a crisp, comfortable t-shirt. I wrung it out on the sidewalk, instinctively swiveling my head in search of police. To this day it remains unclear to me if depositing a quart of one's sweat on the pavement is some type of ordinance violation.
Everything I've recounted to this point is pretty grim, so here's the good stuff:
Once at home, while reconstructing my body with ridiculous volumes of water, it set in. What's the "it"? I don't think there are words adequate in bringing justice to the sense of oneness and serenity of the "it" I imply. Circumstances in my world certainly didn't change by way of hot yoga, but perhaps more importantly - my perceptions, perspectives, and ability to assess this world - improved greatly.
Peace is not high. Peace is not lazy. Peace is not selfish.
Peace is calmly and actively being. Peace is the knowing of our true oneness with all life - and the equality it demands.