The Nordic Way of Getting Through Winter: Friluftsliv

Winter is tough. Cold, snow, little sunlight, and in times past: little food. But we are an adaptable species! Adaptation to harsh environments is one of our strong suits. Over the millenia many cultures have figured out not only how to tolerate, but thrive through winter.

The Nordic cultures (generally Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark) have a concept of getting outside and embracing the natural world in winter. Not shunning or cursing it, but actually enjoying it. My ancestors harken from this area so this idea of an outdoor life close to nature really resonates with me!

Friluftsliv (literally 'free air life') is a Norwegian word with its origins in a poem by Henrik Ibsen in 1859, On the Heights. Although the Nordic idea of being out in nature as a way of life has been around for thousands of years. This concept is more about being immersed in nature, walking, swimming, fishing, living remotely rather than using nature for recreation (like a gym). Ibsen himself spent many years living close to the natural world yet struggling with the pull toward society.

And not to fret about the cold and snow! There's an old Nordic saying:

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

Get a routine going of getting outside every day. Maybe that time is before work, sitting with your coffee on the porch in the snow, just breathing the cold air and listening to the sounds outside. Even if it's after work hours when the sun has gone down it's great to step outside and appreciate the clear night sky on a winter's evening.

If you can get to a park or wilderness area for awhile it's even better. Some good boots, snowshoes, or skiis can get you away from the roads and closer to the sounds of nature. And if you're lucky you can observe some wildlife that lives out in those winter time woods and fields.

Winter can be beautiful!