Journey into Lapland’s pristine nature: drums, land journeys, silence and connection

Dear fellow explorers, You are welcome to immerse with us in the spaciousness of Lapland’s nature, taking our time while giving some insights into how to commune with the land and listen to it, as well as getting a glimpse into where the origins of the shamanic Sami traditions are. Silence, serenity, pristine nature, peace, raw power and vitality. Those are the words that come to our minds when trying to describe the beauty of Lapland. We invite you to explore what the land of Lapland has to say to you and what awakens in you. It is a land of ancient wisdom and modern tourism, and this retreat-style trip will focus more on the first while also combining visits to the breathtaking sites and maintaining the respect to all beings (visible and invisible) and no-hurry/no-performing vibe. We have a possibility to do a beautiful hike of 12km (Pieni Karhunkierros, the Little Bear's Trail) for those who desire. Please take appropriate outdoor gear with you or let us know in advance if this is not possible to explore other options. If needed for the trail, we will provide snowshoes for everyone. Be aware that, in general, the nature and weather of Lapland are unpredictable and wild, so we will stay in a group with eyesight to each other the whole time. It is still partly polar nighttime then, so the darkness will accompany our journey. We will provide you the needed guidance and hold whatever emerges lovingly AND you are responsible for following the guidance and to have your own travel insurance (a requirement) for this trip :) In addition to spending time outside in nature we will also have nourishing activities inside including a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the frame drum making workshop, and at the end of the retreat (as the drum is dry), we get to have our first drumming circle in Lapland where these instruments have a long history of journeying with spirits, connecting to nature and healing, like in many other cultures around the world. We will also enjoy sound healing, yoga and meditations and other activities. These are voluntary, and you participate according to your calling. We will also visit and hear stories from locals, hopefully spot Northern lights, have sauna-time, ice-bath and most of all have time to breathe and BE. ITINERARY: When we say journey, it is going to be exactly that, practically speaking, the way is pretty long, and we will be spending days traveling (not exaggerating here). On the first day, we start from the South of Finland (Helsinki) around 9-10am by heading to a drum making workshop in the Southern Finland and the next day head to North with a minibus and explore the land from a few different locations (Kuusamo; Oulanka, Lokka, Vuotso etc.). The journey will end back in Helsinki. To sum up the tentative program content (note that you are co-creating this event, so changes can and most likely will happen): - Exploring nature and being, hiking - Land journeys - Creating your own traditional drum with an experienced drum practitioner - Sauna + ice-bath - Making a traditional jewelry piece with a local craftswoman - Nordic herbal cures - Fire + chaga ceremony w/drums - Meditations and morning kundalini yoga for those who desire to join - Group breathing session / sound healing session - Possibility to visit Nature centers/museums - If there’s a wish to go skiing, that can be arranged (for an extra fee possibly) GROUP, ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD We will be a group of 5-10 people (including us) and in order for this trip to happen, we need a minimum of 3 participants to cover the minibus and hut rents. The accommodation will be simple, warm and comfortable; varying on the locations in private/shared rooms or in dormitory. In most cases, we will have the house hut to ourselves. The food will be cooked with love from nourishing ingredients, of which we try to include many from Finland. It is mainly vegetarian, and we try to take any food restrictions into account to our best ability. THE PRICE INCLUDES: - Transport during the entire 8 days according to our itinerary - Meals for 6 days: breakfast + lunch + dinner, NB: excluding the 3 meals during travel days when we will be stopping to eat on the road/+ eat our snacks and have dinner when arriving to destination - Accommodation during the 8 days - All activities during the 8 days including the drum workshop from where the participant will get to take the drum home (note this in your luggage allowance). An additional fee might apply to skiing equipment for those who desire to do that. - Pre-departure guidance, including help with finding flights (everyone covers their own flights to Finland and back) - Taxes, fee percentage of JoinMyTrip and other admin fees :) As we have reservation fees, you are expected to pay at least 20% of the fee that works as deposit as soon your spot is confirmed. The remaining 80% is to be paid at least one month before the retreat as for JoinMyTrip policy. If you book later than one month, you will pay the whole amount at once. You will receive the agreement terms and conditions to have everything legally correct and reliable :) WHAT TO BRING: - All of you - Outdoor clothes appropriate for max. -20C but it'll most likely not get this cold (otherwise, there’s a possibility to rent gear in Helsinki, we can help with this) - Winter hiking shoes (or good shoes to walk with) if you desire to hike - Sheets (renting also possible for 5EUR): bottom sheet, duvet cover and pillowcase - Comfortable clothes that you can move in, for inside activities (buildings in Finland are well insulated and warm) - Any snacks or other items you desire and need ABOUT US Anniina trusts life deeply. She has the attitude that life carries, and it does. Even if things seem a bit sour or the unexpected happens (as it often does), she's able to receive it with amusement, as a surprise gift from life and turn it into something precious (except if it's a surprise fire, those she quickly puts out). She's a food magician, you must try her sourdough breads and intuitive cooking, which like each moment of life, is always unique. She is also a shadow work/life coach, kundalini yoga teacher, soul realignment practitioner and loves helping people to connect to self-compassion and acceptance. She really knows how to stop and listen and feel what her intuition and nature wants to say, and have a deep conversation with people and other beings. With her, you can be safe and heard. Heikki values authenticity, he carries a beautiful note of wild power and peace of the Finnish soil, in particular that of Lapland where he feels at home. He can be trusted to guide, whether it’s physically in the wilderness or figuratively with a challenging emotion. He is also a grounded matter magician who loves crafting with hands and making things function practically. After a decade of professional driving experience, you can feel safe on his ride. During and off those rides, he enjoys stories - listening and sharing, and in general discovering life through long discussions, curiosity and acceptance. Self-discovery and tantric practices are an important part of his life, and he is never done learning. We look forward to meeting you <3