Nature is deeply important to me. I feel it lies at the very heart of Finnish culture and the Finnish way of life, because it has always been with us. For thousands of years, our lakes and forests have provided both protection and sustenance.
My hobbies are also closely tied to nature. I go hunting with my father and our dog, I enjoy hiking, and in the winter I go ice swimming every week. These activities keep me connected to the outdoors throughout the seasons and bring balance to my everyday life.
In my family, the tradition of foraging is still strong. A large part of our food comes directly from the forest and nature. We hunt, collect mushrooms and pick berries from the forest. We have a small cottage by a lake, where we can fish throughout the year. In our garden, we grow useful plants and berries, which we turn into juice and jam. And right now, the harvest season is in full swing across much of Finland, as people gather and preserve food for the long winter ahead.
I believe that this close relationship with nature is one of Finland’s greatest treasures. It gives us peace, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
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