in Finnish folklore, the sauna is the home of Saunatonttu – the sauna elf – a little gnome figure who brings both good (watching over the sauna) and bad (punishing people for improper behavior). Â Ok, but is Saunatonttu fact or folklore fiction?
A couple days ago, I received this wonderful book in the mail:
Sauna Studies was published in the mid ’70s and as I carefully considered its contents, it carried with it a natural aged scent as if it had been sitting on a Finnish cabin shelf for forty years. Â With the exception of a postmark from Finland, it came to me with no other clues. Â No note or return address or any indication of who may have sent this thoughtful, priceless gift.
Then, in today’s mail comes another similar white envelope.
Again, with only a Finnish postmark and no note or indication from whom it was sent. Â Inside were four large Finnish chocolate bars.
As I consider this whole pleasant set of events, I gaze out my office window and see a nice spring rain falling. Â I return my eyes to the four chocolate bars. Â Four thoughts wave into my head like the smell of fresh spring flowers:
- How have I effected someone to be this kind, from almost half way around the globe?
- Is generosity its own reward?
- Is joy and appreciation of authentic sauna be creating this action?
- Could sharing sauna passion be its own reward?