Finding Sisu: In search of courage, strength and happiness the Finnish way

by Katja Pantzar

Why Finnish people don't give up: harnessing the magic of sisu.

Defined as a particular kind of resilience and bravery, sisu is the Finnish approach to well-being that is turning lives around.

Raised in Canada with stints in New Zealand and the UK, writer Katja Pantzar returned to Finland, the place of her birth, where she discovered the key to living well was in living courageously and with integrity. Cultivating sisu through simple, functional exercise, a Nordic diet, and spending time outside in space, water, silence and nature, her physical and mental stamina grew; her anxieties, fatigue and pain left behind in the sea.

In Finding Sisu discover the ways in which you too can integrate this age-old philosophy of hope and perseverance into your life, wherever you are in the world, whatever challenges you may face.

Find your courage. Find your grit. Find your sisu.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Travel, Audiobook, Memoir, Lifestyle, Psychology

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2018

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended up ill again, put back on Prednisone, sometimes I think I can feel my bones crumbling from all the steroids I have been prescribed over the last five years. Anyway, always trying to find a different way of managing my flare ups, and so I am drawn to books that show people handling things in different ways.

SISU
Pronounced "see-su"
A Finnish concept that dates back to the 1950's.
A unique type of fortitude, of resilience, of not giving up in the face of a challenge, big or small, that anyone can develop.

See, I needed some or all of that, and I quite enjoyed this book. Much common sense but also some little things with big health benefits. Cold water swimming for mental health and pain relief. Well, I don't live where that is a possibility, I live near a river but not fond of river snakes so.......I tried a cold , few minutes shower, I am very suggestible, and I think it helped a bit, made me feel relaxed anyway. Will try again. Good tips on diet, exercise, just moving, and much on a positive mental outlook. I'll keep practicing, can't hurt and may help.

[Natalie Cranberry · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Biking!--A Good Way to Avoid Drunks and Those in Need!" is the proper title of this book.

This is by far the worst self help book I have ever read (including the classist mess that is Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness which was written by a television actress). Descriptions of people all follow the same format--name, occupation, physical description--and the rest of the writing is just as formulaic. The chapters are poorly organized and often veer into strange directions. In the chapter "Pedaling to Happiness (and Heath)" there is a weird unconnected section about Finnish people being reserved that then goes even more off the rails with bits about Michael Moore, education, and libraries. She has interesting people to interview but Pantzar's personal narrative often clouds over cultural information that is far more interesting.

Most importantly the advice given by Pantzar in this book is, at times, dangerous. Large parts of the book are incredibly ableist, classist, and show a deep misunderstanding for what life is for people with chronic mental health issues.

Pantzar says that she has suffered from depression in the past. As a member of the mental health community, I feel for her. But as a reader of her book I find that she lacks a deeper understanding of the illness. On page 167 she talks about how a medical professional in Finland suggested she get off her anti-depressants and try movement instead. On the next page she legitimately uses the phrase "security blanket in pill form". That may be all well and good for someone in a mild bout but Pantzar advocating for movement over medicine is dangerous and irresponsible. She clearly does not feel the need to address people with more serious mental health conditions in Finland. She is not writing to address people who desperately need the medication that they are on because regardless of how many trees they see or healthy meals that they pack there is still the weight of depression on their every movement. She clearly does not feel that she should concern herself with those of us who don't fit into her "Finish Way". Her prejudices are all the more interesting when you notice that Finland has higher suicide rates than the United States, Canada, Norway and Sweden in 2016. We see Pantzar's flippant attitude towards chronic mental health problems again on page 91 when talking with research professor Liisa Tryväinen who is quoted as saying, "...nature can help in the prevention of certain diseases...treating symptoms of mild depression." The key words here are simple and mind but Pantzar later refers to that same bit of advice for severe problems.

Now where did my title for this review come from? From Pantzar herself. In a chapter about biking she actually talks about her friend Tiina who is quoted as saying on page 157, "...if you sit in a tram or a bus, there may occasionally be a drunk or someone less than pleasant to contend with." She later contradicts herself about being in an "isolated metal box". My idea of a perfect hell would be interacting with anyone who is so afraid of people who may have an addiction problem or other needs so much. I love biking but I don't bike to avoid people in need and the idea that anyone would include that as a reason makes me ill.

For Pantzar it is clear that sisu is a purely physical thing. She talks about how the only way to have a strong mind is to have a strong body. How do I know this? Because she talks more about winter swimming than she does about actually over coming challenges or standing up for causes that she believes in. That is, until it comes to her book itself. Then sisu is allowed to be something more.

This was supposed to be a book about the Finnish idea of courage and resilience but even then it must include the painfully boring and over used chapter about Scandinavian minimalism. That has nothing to do with courage. Also, it is an aesthetic choice that often makes the world less cozy and more utilitarian. Frankly, I think it would take more sisu in Finland to not adhere to minimalist pressures and boring style guides. Shopping smart does not mean shopping without personality.

After talking a bit about this book with a friend who has spent extensive time in Finland I would like to encourage all readers to find another book on the topic.

[☘Misericordia☘ ⚡ϟ⚡⛈⚡☁ ❇️❤❣ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice-water swimming and other sisu ways. Almost sold me on winter dipping (no!)

[Temi Panayotova-Kendeva · Rating 1 out of 5]

Most boring book I have ever read on this topic. Except the pretty cover, there is nothing interesting about it...

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really fascinated by learning about other cultures and, particularly, Nordic cultures. So the topic of the book - a characteristic of fortitude that most all Finns possess, called sisu - is really interesting. But gah, the writing is bad. It's repetitive. It's boring. It contains such ridiculously unnecessary sentences as: "as the years passed, my son grew from baby to boy." Stab my eyeballs out, why don'tcha.

I still finished it because there are a few nuggets I wanted to read about: winter swimming, saunas, biking as transportation, and the prevalence of secondhand shopping.

I GREATLY preferred, and highly recommend There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids for a look inside Nordic culture, particularly their tolerance for cold-weather outdoor activity.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about "sisu" and the various explanations on the word. Since the Finns are known to be one of the happiest populations in the world it's worth taking a look at their simple life style and maybe even trying something new such as winter biking.

Another fun fact about Finns - they are the world's leading book borrowers, with 67 million books borrowed a year from the public library system.

[Lieblingsleseplatz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nordische Lebensweisheiten sind ja gerade im Trend. Und kaum haben wir unser Heim hyggeliggemacht kommen die Finnen mit Sisu daher … doch was steckt dahinter? Ein weiterer Trend? Wahre Lebensweisheiten?
Sisu – der finnische Weg zu Mut, Ausdauer und innerer Stärke
..das klingt nach der ultimativen, universellen Antwort auf all unsere Fragen. (Und ich dachte das wäre 42, … egal) Doch was können wir wirklich von den Finnen lernen? Das Buch ist autobiographisch de Geschichte von Katja Pantzar, die nach Finnland zieht und sich dort erstmal erstaunt und staunend mit der finnischen Lebensweise konfrontiert sieht.
Im Prinzip ist ein Plädoyer an die Einfachheit. Back to the roots. Wunderbar einfühlsam bringt uns die Autorin alte Weisheiten wieder ins Gedächtnis. Am allerbesten hat mir der Abschnitt über Literatur als Rettungsanker gefallen …
Weniger ist mehr. Ohne all den Ballast, den wir mit uns herum schleppen und um uns horten lebt es sich leichter, freier! Eigentlich wissen wir das ja, oder? Aber denken wir auch daran?
Mich hat das Buch zum Nachdenken angeregt. Heute beim Spaziergang mit Hund und Tochter habe ich meine Umwelt anders wahr genommen. Bewusster.
Ich vergebe 4 von 5 Lieblingslesesessel für ein Buch, dass mir zwar nicht unbedingt neue, bahnbrechende Erkenntnisse geliefert hat, aber auf amüsante Weise die Lebensweisheiten aus dem Norden näher gebracht und mich ein wenig zum Umdenken gebracht hat.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

How I Came to Read This Book: I was curious to learn more about Hygge a little while back, so I read a book on it. This in turn led me to learn a bit more about some other similar tomes focused on different cultures, like Swedish 'Lagom' and Finnish 'Sisu'. I borrowed this one from the library.

The Plot: Katja Panzar moved from Canada to Finland (she is the daughter of Finnish immigrants) as a young woman. She ended up getting married and having a child there, all while becoming immersed in Finnish culture. One particular notable aspect of the culture is a term known as 'Sisu', which like Hygge, doesn't have a direct English counterpart. It's essentially a mixture of iron will, practicality, a belief in picking yourself up and dusting yourself off, and weathering the elements. It might sound a little bland, and compared to the warm and cozy vibes hygge is all about, I guess it is, but there's still some interesting stuff to be had for incorporating a little sisu into your life.

The Good & The Bad: When I read the Little Book of Hygge I thought it was a fun if frivolous read. The challenge with this book is it's trying to be much more serious. And really, sisu IS more serious than hygge, so that sort of makes sense. But where the hygge book was very much illustrative and descriptive and ultimately a lifestyle guide, this one comes off a bit like a memoir supported by some weak research conducted largely among the author's friends or some very theoretical professor types. Part of the issue (but also a strength!) is the fact Pantzar isn't a native Finn. As a result, the book doesn't feel like it speaks on behalf of the Finnish people. Rather, it seems like capitalizing on this trend of understanding other cultures and adopting their seemingly superior ways into your own life.

And emphasis on the word superior there, cause Pantzar's tone is another issue I had with this book. She has a very 'us vs. them' vibe going on in terms of comparing her lifestyle in North America to what it is in Finland - something I never saw in my hygge book or the lagom one I've paged through that's sitting on my nightstand. It really started to make my eye twitch as I actually felt, in a lot of spots, that elements of the Finnish lifestyle are comparable to how myself and many other Canadians live. Not all, to be sure, but it wasn't quite the black and white dichotomy Pantzar tries to paint in more than a few spots.

Not all is lost though. There were some things I liked about this book. In some ways, Pantzar's outsider stance makes for an interesting read as she tries to hone in on what makes Finland so fantastic. Her Canadian background also makes for an interesting comparison and contrast - although notably she only lived in the nation's two largest cities, so yeah, she's going to have a limited view of what lifestyles are like in other parts of the country. I also really enjoyed the little checklists at the conclusion of each chapter that encourage you to adopt elements of sisu into your life; some more reasonably than others. And some of the truly unique aspects of Finnish culture, like winter swimming (albeit even Pantzar acknowledges that many Finns don't partake in this extreme winter sport) and visiting the sauna are explored well.

In all though, it felt pretty...light. Which is weird because it was a way more technical book than the hygge one I read, or the lagom one I have to read. Pantzar's ten chapters cover all manner of Finnish lifestyle, from fitness to nutrition to parenting, with a large emphasis on wellness in general with chapters dedicated to 'nature therapy' and 'movement as medicine' - the latter of which was a particularly problematic chapter that suggests many mental health issues can be cured by engaging in physical activity or spending more time outdoors. Each chapter follows a similar format, as she details her experience with that element, looks at how it aligns with the broader Finnish population, and then speaks to her friends and / or experts for more insight. I'm not saying it had to be like the hygge book, but the result is less of a lifestyle guide and more of a lightly researched anthropological textbook of Finnish culture and values. I DO get what sisu is though - the closest word I can think of is hardiness - and for that, I tip my hat to Pantzar.

The Bottom Line: A well-intentioned look at Finnish culture and how much of it can be tied back to the concept of sisu, that offers tangible direction on how to add more sisu to your life. The book suffers, however, from being overly technical and a bit repetitive (seriously, winter swimming makes it into almost every chapter).

Anything Memorable?: I have actually adopted an idea or two from this book. I'm trying to spend at least 30 minutes a day in nature, and thinking of ways I can add more incidental exercise to my life. I've actually visited a Nordic spa and tried an icy pool before; I'd love to try it again with a better understanding of how to approach it (and would be keen to try real winter swimming one day). I've even tried dousing myself in cold water via the shower. I liked the tips on diet in terms of the balance your plate should be (50% veggies, 25% starch, 25% protein). Even stuff like mentions of garage sale day and restaurant day were cool.

Oh, also, the epilogue was a bit of a sad shocker as you find out something revealing about the author's life! Hope she's taking care.

2018 Book Challenge?: Book #37 in 2018

[Sara Budarz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having a Finnish mother means that I have spent most of my life being reminded to draw on my sisu - the Finnish notion of strength and stubbornness and perseverance - to get through difficult situations. It is in fact a word so fundamental to how I define myself that I have often thought of tattooing the word on my wrist as a constant reminder of the survivor that is in all of us.

Finns often speak of sisu, and anyone who has ever visited Finland in the winter will understand why they needed it culturally: Finland is a breathtakingly beautiful country, but one that also happens to get almost no daylight in the winter and can be blanketed with snow for months and months on end. Nowadays it is a country that is one of the most economically secure and wealthy in the world, but less than a half a century ago, when my mother was growing up, food shortages and poverty meant that she didn't eat anything but a porridge breakfast most days and being hungry and sick was the norm. In other words, you had to be tough to get through that life. But importantly, sisu isn't about being tough. It is about drawing on strength but also learning to lean heavily on each other. Sisu is a pretty brilliant concept.

So when I came across this book on sisu at the bookstore, I was intrigued and instantly took it home. The result: it was an easy read, although a bit unremarkable. Perhaps I am just too familiar with the idea of sisu, and so expected more depth, yet the book seemed to skim the surface of many ideas, but didn't often go deep.

Yet what it did cover:
get outside and into nature, daily. No matter the weather. It is good for your mental health.
Exercise.
Ride your bike, no matter the weather.
Swim in frozen lakes, or at least roll around in the snow, naked, between sauna sessions.
Sauna culture lets you bond with others and develop a healthy body awareness (so true! Growing up and seeing many shapes of bodies, naked, on a weekly basis helped me grow up with a sense of what real bodies look like and the amazing variation between bodies.)
Eat well.
Rest.
Prioritize experiences over possessions. When you do buy things, but quality and local, because they will then last a lifetime.
Do things yourself, like gardening or chopping wood.
Challenge yourself (see: ice swimming).
Be respectful of nature.

For non-Finns, the book would surely be a fun and easy read. What I did like was that Pantzar covers topics such as the twice annual 'clean days' that Helsinki has, in which every park and courtyard and street becomes a free, giant flea market, where you trade and sell things you don't need in your life for things that you do. It is one of the coolest things I have ever seen, and in an era of minimalism and conscious consumption, such a great idea. But as a Finn, I'm clearly the wrong audience for the book.

[Thanawat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! ให้ความว้าวสำหรับตัวเองระดับ amazing เลย

หนังสือเล่มนี้ เปิดโลก แง้มกะลาให้มนุษย์ปุถุชนคนไทยธรรมดาๆ ที่ไม่เคยไปอยู่เมืองนอกเมืองนาอย่างผม ได้เห็นโลกภายนอกอย่างฟินแลนด์ว่า ประเทศที่เจริญแล้ว เค้ามีชีวิตความเป็นอยู่ มีคุณค่าที่ยึดถือ และมีวัฒนธรรมอย่างไร

มันยากมากที่คนที่ไม่เคยไป ไม่เคยอ่าน หรือไม่เคยผ่านหูผ่านตา จะจินตนาการได้ถึงประเทศที่ยึดถือประโยชน์สาธารณะ มีสวัสดิการพื้นฐาน และให้ความสำคัญกับระบบการศึกษาอย่างแท้จริง จะมีรูปร่างหน้าตาเป็นยังไง

แต่หนังสือเล่มนี้ ให้คำตอบทั้งหมด
ผู้เขียนเล่าครอบคลุมทั้งหมด ทั้งเรื่องค่านิยมระดับปัจเจกอย่าง sisu ไปจนถึงสวัสดิการสาธารณะพื้นฐานที่ฟินแลนด์มอบให้ประชาชน

มันยอดมาก
หนังสือมาเล่มนี้มาได้ถูกที่ถูกเวลา (ปี 2564 เรามีหนี้สาธารณะ ที่ไม่ได้มีสวัสดิการสาธารณะที่สอดคล้องกับระดับหนี้แต่อย่างใด)
ขอให้เครดิต readery podcast ที่นำพามารู้จักหนังสือเล่มนี้

PS
เล่มนี้ฟังผ่าน audiobook วิ่งไปฟังไปขนลุกไป แถมยังฝันไปไกลว่าจะเป็นอย่างไร ถ้าได้ไปใช้ชีวิตที่ฟินแลนด์

[Lada Moskalets · Rating 4 out of 5]

В стрункому ряду книжок про скандинавський затишок з‘явився порадник про скандинавський вихід із зони комфорту. Канадська авторка вирішує дослідити своє фінське коріння і розуміє, що спосіб життя допомагає їй вирішити безліч проблем, включно депресією. Сісу - це синонім наполегливості і впертості, які стають в пригоді, якщо ви живете в холодній північній країні.
В списку складових рецепту фінського щастя - холодне купання, близькість до природи, багато руху і здорова їжа. Головне - це включати ці заняття у своє повсякдення, наприклад не їхати на роботу машиною, хоч так легше, а взяти велосипед (навіть при -20). Ходити в сауну замість бару, купувати вживані речі і продавати ті, які тобі не потрібн, прибирати вдома самим і їсти сезонні ягоди - це елементи простого способу життя, які, згідно з авторкою, значно ефективніші за таблетки в подоланні психічних проблем.
Книжка хибує на те, що й всі хюгге-книжки - значна частина успішності фінського способу життя це також соціальний захист, розвинена інфраструктура, увага до освіти. З мого власного досвіду - у Фінляндії проблеми з алкоголем та ігровими автоматами, це можна помітити навіть при коротких візитах, але авторка в жоден спосіб не згадує про ці негативи.

[Fahri Rasihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judul : Finding Sisu: Hidup Sehat dan Seimbang ala Orang Finlandia
• Penulis : Katja Pantzar
• Penerjemah : Annisa Cinantya Putri
• Penyunting : Pandam Kuntaswari
• Penerbit : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
• Terbit : 24 Juni 2019
• Harga : Rp 78.000
• Tebal : 296 halaman
• Ukuran : 13.5 × 20 cm
• Cover : Softcover
• ISBN : 9786020624334

Saat ini sedang tren gaya hidup yang seimbang dan berbahagia dari beberapa negara. Contohnya seperti wabi sabi dan ikigai dari Jepang, pono dari Hawaii, jugaad dari India, hygge dari Denmark, gemutlichkeit dari Jerman, hingga friluftsliv dari Norwegia. Semua gaya hidup ini pada intinya adalah menerima dan menikmati setiap kondisi yang kita jalani. Namun, ada satu gaya hidup yang tidak kalah menarik, yaitu Sisu dari Finlandia. Sisu sendiri memiliki makna yang luas bagi setiap masyarakat Finlandia. Tapi intinya, sisu merupakan sikap berani dan tangguh tanpa kenal kata menyerah. Sisu menitikberatkan gaya hidup pada kemauan untuk bekerja keras bahkan hingga melebihi batas yang kita mampu. Selama masih bisa dikerjakan sendiri orang Finlandia biasanya anti untuk meminta bantuan orang lain. Sisu sendiri sebetulnya merupakan sebuah sejarah dan budaya yang membentuk kebiasaan serta karakter masyarakat Finlandia. Banyak kebiasaan masyarakat Finlandia yang menumbuhkan sisu dalam diri mereka. Kebiasaan tersebut adalah seperti berdendam di laut atau danau pada saat musim dingin, sauna, bersepeda, jalan kaki, makanan sehat, hingga terapi hutan.

Finding Sisu berisi pengalaman Katja Pantzar saat tinggal di Finlandia. Pantzar sendiri bisa dibilang bukan masyarakat asli Finlandia meskipun dia keturunan Finlandia. Pantzar yang sebelumnya lahir dan tinggal di Kanada menemukan perbedaan yang mencolok saat hidup di Finlandia. Dan dia pun membagikan pengalaman tersebut lewat buku ini. Finding Sisu terdiri dari sepuluh bagian yang menceritakan pengalaman penulis tentang menemukan sisu. Sepuluh bagian tersebut adalah:
1. Hidup seperti orang Nordik: menyelami cara hidup baru yang menyegarkan.
2. Mencari sisu: menumbuhkan pola pikir sisu.
3. Terapi air es: bisakah berenang saat musim dingin meringankan gejala depresi, stres, dan kelelahan?
4. Esensi sauna: semakin berkeringat, semakin sehat.
5. Terapi alam: manfaat berjalan-jalan di hutan.
6. Pola makan Nordik: pendekatan sederhana dan rasional terhadap kesehatan dan penurunan berat badan.
7. Mengawali hidup dengan sehat: menanamkan sisu sejak dini.
8. Bersepeda agar bahagia (dan sehat).
9. Manfaat bergerak (dan olahraga "kebetulan") sebagai bentuk pengobatan.
10. Minimalisme Nordik: menciptakan cara hidup yang lebih sederhana dan lestari.

Salah satu kegiatan masyarakat Finlandia yang menarik bagi saya adalah seringnya mereka melakukan kegiatan di luar ruangan. Salah satunya adalah terapi alam yang memusatkan diri dan menikmati setiap momen berada di alam bebas. Terapi alam ini bisa diaplikasikan di negara mana pun. Saya sendiri pernah menemukan cara ini untuk mencapai keseimbangan dan perasaan bahagia di dalam kehidupan lewat konsep wabi sabi yang ditulis oleh Beth kempton. Prinsipnya hampir mirip antara wabi sabi dan sisu di mana bisa hanya sekadar melakukan jalan kaki ke hutan atau taman kota. Saat jalan-jalan tersebut lupakan ponsel dan semua distraksi pada pikiran kita. Cukup nikmati, resapi, dan rasakan setiap momen saat kita melakukan terapi alam. Rasakan setiap tekstur batang pohon yang kita sentuh, nikmati udara segar yang diberikan pepohonan, dan resapi nuansa tenang nan mendamaikan yang diberikan oleh alam semesta. Lewat cara ini sisu akan muncul dalam diri kita. Sadar akan momen yang kita alami setiap detiknya menambah rasa nikmat dan syukur yang dapat membahagiakan batin dan fisik kita.

Selain terapi alam kebiasaan masyarakat Finlandia yang mungkin sebenarnya mudah kita praktikan, tapi malas untuk dilakukan adalah bergerak. Bagaiamana istilah "mager" (males gerak) sudah menjangkiti kaum muda masa kini. Padahal menurut semangat sisu Finlandia bergerak merupakan terapi atau obat untuk terhindar dari berbagai macam penyakit. Bergerak yang dimaksud di sini tidak melulu harus berolahraga, tapi dengan mengerjakan tugas sehari-hari sudah termasuk dalam olahraga "kebetulan". Contohnya seperti menyapu, mencuci piring, memandikan kucing, jalan kaki membeli kebutuhan rumah tangga, naik tangga, atau bersepeda ke kantor. Sebagian besar dokter di Finlandia pun menyarankan untuk bergerak atau berolahraga alih-alih memberikan resep obat untuk penyakit yang kita derita. Percaya atau tidak meskipun obat memang terbukti dapat meringankan penyakit, tapi justru obat sendiri merupakan racun yang akan menjadi candu. Sementara dengan bergerak dan berolahraga selain mendapatkan tubuh yang sehat, pikiran pyn ikut tenang.

Secara keseluruhan Finding Sisu: Hidup Sehat dan Seimbang ala Orang Finlandia merupakan sebuah gaya hidup yang terbentuk dari sejarah dan budaya. Walaupun semangat sisu sudah tertanam kuat pada masyarakat Finlandia kita pun tetap bisa menemukannya. Mungkin untuk berendam di musim dingin atau sauna masih sulit untuk dipraktikkan, tapi beberapa kegiatan lainnya masih bisa dilakukan. Contohnya seperti bersepeda, terapi alam, bergerak, hidup sederhana, dan mengonsumsi makanan yang sehat serta seimbang. Pantzar sendiri memerlukan waktu yang relatif tidak sebentar untuk menemukan semangat sisu. Pengalamannya akan pencarian sisu ia tuangkan di sini. Tidak hanya iti Pantzar sendiri melakukan riset dan wawancara dengan beberapa ahli untuk memperkuat teori tentang sisu ini. Finlandia sendiri memang terbukti menjadi salah satu negara dengan pendidikan terbaik serta menjadi negara paling bahagia di dunia. Maka tidak heran jika semangat sisu ikut berpengaruh terhadap itu semua. Sebuah buku yang menarik di mana kita bisa tahu dan belajar akan semangat pantang menyerah yang dipegang kukuh oleh masyarakat Finlandia.

[Teguh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jepang punya Ikigai, dan sekarang kita kembali dikenalkan dengan istilah Finlandia, Sisu. Secara sederhana adalah ketahanan dan keinginan untuk terus menguji diri sendiri. Salah satu contoh kasusnya adalah berenang di kolam dingin, es, saat musim dingin. Tampak sangat tidak masuk akal, dan sia-sia. Tapi dari kebiasaan ini pula, kita seperti ditampar bahwa batas maksimal manusia itu tidak ada. Dan dengan terus menantang diri sendiri, kita akan tahu bahwa "tidak ada yang tidak mungkin di manusia."

Dan ternyata, berenang di kolam dingin juga memiliki manfaat secara kesehatan.

Selain berenang di musim dingin, rahasia bahagia orang Finlandia adalah dekat dengan alam, bergerak--sepeda, mengatur makanan, dan hidup minimalis.

KAlau tidak ada penutup bab, soal temukan sisu-mu, buku ini akan tampil sebagai curhatan panjang. Untung penutup ini menyelamatkan, bahwa kita harus menemukan sisu sendiri. Apalagi INdonesia, nyari sugai bersih aja susah, apalagi nyari sungai buat berenang saat musim dingin. Keeekeee.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Superstition never wastes time on facts. Taking into account facts would stop it from being a superstition and open a whole new world: hypothesis proven wrong.

With one of the highest suicide rates in the Western world, Finland is quite a miserable. Higher than average alcoholism would also point out courage and happiness are less common. The key is 7 million out of almost 8 billion humans, most people would be inclined to believe this book.

Original text: Superstition never wastes time on facts. And it's quite obvious. Taking into account the facts would stop it from being a superstition and open a whole new world: stupid theories that prove wrong. With one of the highest suicide rates in the Western world, Finland is quite a miserable. Higher than average alcoholism also point out courage and happiness are quite unknown. But that's it! Unknown. With less than 10 million in the whole world, 7 million out of almost 8 billion, you are sure to believe the junk of this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always keen to read books about Finland and I was really excited to read this one. I enjoyed learning about several aspects of Finnish culture that relate to Sisu and I feel like a lot of these things can easily be implemented more in my own life. I think the one thing I found a bit off-putting in this book is that the author is often comparing the Finnish lifestyle to the North American lifestyle and seemed heavily biased towards Finland. Other than that, I thought the book was really interesting and it gave me good insight into some aspects of Finland.

[Deborah De · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too simplistic. Not about to go swimming in Lake Michigan or biking during a polar vortex. Better books on minimalism and healthy eating. Skip this one.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming from a Finnish parent I was interested to read this book for not only wanting to know more about my heritage but to see whether I see similarities within my own family and the Finnish community and Sisu.

Sisu is a totally different concept from hygge it is about endurance and perseverance and getting outside amongst nature and being active for a healthy mindset. I have never been to Finland but when the author described the Finnish people and their habits I saw that in my own family and community here with their determination, hands on approach to life, getting things done and being part of nature wherever that is getting out walking everyday or camping when they can.

The author has done a lot of research into this concept of Sisu and how we can bring a little Sisu into our own lives so we can have a healthy mind and learn to endure whatever life may throw at us in a healthy way. I really wanted to learn more about this concept and the Finnish way of life after reading this book and I can see how Sisu is a way of life not something you learn.

[Lauryn Hixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love Sisu!! I feel like you know it’s a good book when you realize it’s changed your life and you are going to look at things a little differently now. I want to be outside more! I want to push myself outside my comfort zone more! I want to go swimming in the ocean in winter! (But let’s be honest I really just want to move to Finland now 😂😂) I didn’t give it 5 stars because one I felt like it was a tiny bit repetitive and two for some reason just felt like something was missing! And I wish she was more clear right up front what Sisu is- but also that seems to be the point that it’s not really one thing. Idk I give it 4.5 starts if that’s possible?!? 4.75?? Overall so good!!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for those looking to improve their well-being and incorporate a Finnish lifestyle of happiness, being in nature, and exercising. In the few days it took me to read this book I've already begun using small acts of sisu in my everyday life.

[Seamonkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

ซิสุ เป็นแนวคิดเก่าแก่ของฟินแลนด์ที่มีมาตั้งแต่ศตวรรษที่ 16

ถ้าจะมีคำจำกัดความแบบไทยที่ใกล้เคียงก็ อิทธิบาท ๔ ล่ะนะ - ใกล้เคียง แต่ก็คงจะไม่ครอบคลุมอยู่ดี

ถึงแม้เรื่องราวภายในเล่มจะค่อนข้างเป็นอัตวิสัยของตัวผู้เขียนซะเป็นส่วนใหญ่ แต่ก็ทำให้มองเห็นและพอเข้าใจกับ 'ซิสุ' ได้

และที่สำคัญถ้านำมาปรับใช้กับตัวเองได้ก็คงจะมีประโยชน์ไม่น้อย

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading yet another book about people and culture in this area of the world, I think in another life I’m a Scandinavian at heart...

[Violeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puiki knyga padedanti atrasti savo SISU.

[Daniela Iv · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Сису" следва тренда на хюга, люка, икигай и всеподобните лайфстайл книги, даващи поглед към друга култура и начин на живот. Явно не съм внимавала много по "Странознание: Финландия", защото не бях чувала за сису и реших да поправя тази грешка.

Книгата разказва за преживяванията и изводите на канадска журналистка с финландски корени, която решава да се премести временно в северната страна. Впоследствие тя се влюбва в културата, променя начина си на живот и създава семейство там. В неусложненото и физически активно ежедневие открива лек за отдавна измъчващите я пристъпи на депресия и осъзнава, че определени практики малко по малко развиват нейната психическа и физическа издръжливост. Дребни "ритуали", като топване в леденостудената морска вода, каране на колело до работа и трениране при минусови температури (както и неотменната сауна, разбира се), я правят много по-отворена към предизвикателства и абсолютен привърженик на скандинавския начин на живот.

Книгата е разделена на отделни глави, като всяка се концентрира върху някаква особеност на финландската култура, като например зимното плуване, склонността към минимализъм и простота в диетата, активния начин на живот и финландския подход към образованието. Авторката изхожда от собствения си опит и прави интересни паралели между западната и северната култура. Търси мнението и на водещи специалисти в конкретните сфери, за да затвърди тезите си за това, доколко наблюдаваните от нея явления са широкоразпространени и полезни. Като цяло книгата е доста информативна и определено ме мотивира да добавя някои дребни промени към дневната си рутина.

Обединяващата идея, че така нареченото "сису", определящо финландския характер, а оттам и начина на живот, може да бъде култивирано и се изгражда чрез всякакви дейности. "Сису" е от онези непреведими думички, които често съдържат есенцията на някаква народна черта. Авторката я определя като "жилавост на характера, способността да не се предаваш, когато си изправен пред привидно непреодолимо предизвикателство". Журналистката обаче решава да разгледа понятието в доста по-обхватен мащаб и да покаже как това качество е основополагащо за успеха на финландц��те в различни сфери, както и за високия им индекс на щастие. Честно казано, лично на мен това непрекъснато предъвкване на думата и натоварването ѝ с допълнителни (и понякога леко отнесени) значения ми идваше малко в повече. Често ползите от нещо също се повтаряха многократно из цялата книга, въпреки че в 21-ви век е излишно някой да те убеждава, че е полезно да караш колело.

Иначе книгата е леко и приятно четиво и езикът в нея напомня на статия от лайфстайл списание, за което допринася и постоянното извеждане на цитати посред нищото (не знам кой е решил, че това е добра идея в книга). Интервютата със специалисти са представени с по два-три цитата, колкото да подкрепят теориите на авторката, и са съпътствани с неизменно описание на външния вид на човека и мястото на срещата (нещо, което, отново, би паснало повече на дамско списание). Може би очаквах малко повече дълбочина и критичен поглед върху разглежданите явления. Липсваше ми примерно повече вникване в историческия и политически контекст и в традициите. Досегът с науката се свеждаше до въпросните няколко цитата във всяка глава и често цитирани статистики. Затова съм по-склонна да възприема книгата като мемоар на авторката за личния ѝ сблъсък с финландската култура, отколкото като сериозно описание на финландското общество и неговия начин на живот.

Все пак бих препоръчала книгата особено ако е нечий първи досег със скандинавската култура. Вярвам твърдо, че можем да почерпим невероятно много от техния начин на мислене, като започнем от градоустройствените решения, и стигнем до стремежа към простота и близост до природата. Със съжаление констатирам, че гоним повече консуматорския дух на Запада, от който авторката бяга, но надежда винаги има :)

[Anna Dimitrova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Това не е най-любимата ми книга тази година, и дори на тема сису знам по-добри, но е първата книга за сису на български, която откривам. Писана е от журналист и това обяснява защо постоянно имах усещането, че чета списание, поради което не ми е любима. Обикновено ако искам да прочета репортаж от мястото на събитието се обръщам към списания и новинарски сайтове.

Но, макар че стилът не е точно моят (само на моменти), се радвам, че се превеждат все повече книги на подобни теми на български език. Имаме нужда да си припомним колко е важно да се грижим за качеството си на живот и колко голямо значение има то за цялостното ни здраве, дълголетие и благоденствие, теми, които от много години са останали сериозно на заден план в колективното ни съзнание. Освен това книгата наистина дава много разбираем поглед към тази интересна концепция.

Писана е от жена с финландски корени, която е израстнала в Канада и едва по-късно решава да се премести да живее във Финландия. Ето защо тя има едновременно погледа на чужденец, но и се е потопила достатъчно в културата, за да възприеме доста от нейните необичайни за нашите представи привички. Като къпането в леденостудена вода! (и то редовно, а не само на Йордановден).

Сису е „уникалната финландска воля и решимост да устоиш на трудностите, да не се пречупиш, да не търсиш леснината.“

Според авторката сису е манталитет, който се култивира. Книгата ѝ представя близък поглед към някои от практиките, чрез които се култивира сису.
Продължението тук: http://www.endome.eu/biblioteka-sisu-...

[Annikky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this as a present and thought it would be a nice easy read for Christmas time. And it wasn't bad, but it's nothing special either - especially, I suspect, for Estonians, who are very faminilar with the concepts in the book already. I'm giving it three stars mostly because I agree with the substance of the book (I like Finns, love sauna and a dip in an icy pond afterwards), but the text itself is ratehr basic and repetitive. I also have to say that the Estonian translation is not great, I would probably have enjoyed it more in the original English.

[Suzanne Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremelly impressed with the way of life of the Finnish....a healthy society does become a wealthy one in many ways I see now...the simplicity in their way of life..cold water swimming...saunas...nature walks for mental peace.....Many people could benefit greatly from reading this book and become healthier and happier...and also their educational system gives the kids such a wonderful start to life...! A blueprint to follow and imagine the world we would live in !

[Khattiya Homthong · Rating 4 out of 5]

ชอบมุมมองในการมองเห็นโอกาสพัฒนาตัวเองของผู้เขียน ทุกคนรู้ว่า การไม่ย้อท้อต่อปัญญาและอุปสรรคต่างๆ มันดียังไง รู้ว่าควรจะต้องออกกำลังกายสม่ำเสมอ พักผ่อนให้เพียงพอ กินอาหารให้ครบ 5 หมู่ แต่นั่นแหละ เรามีข้ออ้างให้ตัวเองเสมอ สารพัดเหตุผลที่เราเฝ้าบอกว่า ยังทำตอนนี้ไม่ได้หรอก

สุดท้าย Sisu คือการเอาชนะใจตัวเอง การได้ลงมือทำ โดยไม่สนใจว่าผลลัพธ์จะเป็นเช่นไร

[Jocelyn Bissonnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the mix of story-telling and science, for what is basically another self-help book about finding your best life. There were some excellent examples and tools that I intend on continuing to implement in my own life, though it mostly made me want to uproot my family and move to Finland.

[Vladimír Hlačina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes too boring, but kinda most of the time average reading. I would not put it into "self help" category, since its just a simple inspiring book about american woman discovering European way of living. The interesting aspect for me was reading about traditions in Finland, which may inspire someone to try to look at the world with different glasses.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! I’m in - and seriously considering getting a sauna and signing up for some polar dips this winter in lieu of winter swimming.