In my last post I said I would be writing again this week to talk about one of my favorite things these days: words that don’t have direct translations into English. Qualities, character traits, concepts that are somewhat foreign to English-speaking cultures. Especially words that explain very valuable concepts for mental health.

Foreign concepts, if you will.

Today I am practicing Sisu especially hard, friend. So I thought I’d share about this wonderful word.

I’m on the verge of uploading the first episode of my new podcast, Stubborn Gladness! This is a very big deal for me, and I am coming up against all kinds of technical hurdles.

I can’t record with this mic on this device, so I record on that device, but then the intro music is on this device, but the file type isn’t right so I can’t export it from that device and import it onto this device…

There’s been a lot of swearing over here. Not gonna lie.

But I’m experiencing a new feeling along with the frustration, and it’s kind of exciting to witness in myself. I’m experiencing a tad of sisu.

Sisu is a Finnish word that doesn’t have a direct translation into English. It’s been variously defined as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, and perseverance. The word literally means “guts” and when Finns discuss this characteristic, they point to their gut, not their heart or head, as the source of the trait.

It’s also a very Finnish word, by which I mean it’s a national identity of sorts, a character trait taught from birth and celebrated in people more than achievement. It is its own kind of success, not of outcome but of input.

It’s the quality within us that says, we can do hard things!

 

A prime example of practicing sisu is the common Finnish practice of winter sea swimming. Making the body very uncomfortable for a minute creates a cascade of very positive biological benefits, such as lowering inflammation, increasing blood flow, strengthening your immune system, and reducing body aches. Many people credit the practice with eliminating their depression and anxiety.

A “hormone storm” surges through your body in response to the shock of it. Adrenaline, yes, but also dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, and more.

I haven’t found an open body of water to try it yet (swimming in a public body of water in winter is illegal in New York City, who knew?) but I’ve been turning my shower to cold blast and dancing around in it gasping, “One! Two! Three! Four!…” until I count to thirty and turn it off.

It is profoundly uncomfortable. Until it’s not. And then it’s sort of exhilarating. And then I’m smiling. I’m awake. I’m present. I feel good about having done it, and I even look forward to doing it tomorrow.

And when other hard things come my way, I find myself feeling a little more sure of my ability to get through it, even with a string of curse words issuing forth as I do. I’m even learning to appreciate a difficult task, because it gives me a chance to work my sisu muscle.

Where can you see and appreciate sisu in yourself? Or do you see a need to start working this muscle somehow? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

 

Can’t wait to share my podcast when it drops — that’s what the kids call publishing audio these days. Stay tuned!