Sun, Serenity and Sauna Hosting

The day began quietly, with morning light filtering through the ancient woodland as I welcomed my first group. It was an early session, serene and still, but the women were instantly captivated, already making plans for their next visit, talking about fitting in a run before joining us, followed by a swim to cool off and a sauna to finish their monthly catch up. Then, I had a private session with a lively group of wild swimmers who kindly asked for a group photo before heading into the sauna. They even put on matching puffin hats for the photo.

After seeing the morning retreat group off on their walk, I’m now left wishing I could join them, especially to enjoy a peaceful swing in a hammock on a beautiful day like this. Instead, I’ve briefed the next group and let them in to enjoy a sauna and I’m now sitting on the freshly cut grass, which feels surprisingly soft and gentle under me, not sharp like I’d imagined. Through the branches of the slowly blooming rhododendron, I catch a glimpse of the sauna on the left. I’m positioned perfectly, I have a good view of the door, so I can be close when needed, but also invisible when guests just want to enjoy their session in peace.

I’ve changed into my “afternoon” clothes: a quick switch from long trousers and a hoodie to shorts and a t-shirt as the temperature has risen quite a bit since I arrived here at 7 this morning. Now, I’m sitting back, indulging in a fiction novel – finally able to read for pleasure again after months of thesis-writing. I tilt my face to the sun, even taking my sunglasses off to feel the warmth directly.

The past few months have felt like a constant race – always on the run, always under pressure – but this early Sunday afternoon, as I sit here, breathing deep, slow, steady breaths, listening the sound of the burn splashing nearby, I can feel the weight of it all slowly lifting from my shoulders.

People passing by often comment on how lucky I am to have this as my job. Many are stuck in offices or behind closed doors, dreaming of a day spent out in nature, in the woods, by the river, under the sun.

I pause once more to really take in my surroundings. And on days like this, I can’t help but wonder – can I really call this “work”?