by Finland’s awe-inspiring natural wonders are one of the reasons why its residents are so damn happy.
It’s March – and while spring is in the air, it’s not quite there yet. That means there are still dark, dreary, windy days ahead of us.
If it’s got you down – now is the time to start thinking about visiting Finland. After all, Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is the official home of Santa Claus – and he’s a pretty happy guy, don’t you think?
But there is more to it than that. Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for five years in a row by the World Happiness Report. Better still, the country wants to share its secret of happiness with the world. As the first country to ever host its own master class, Finland will match some lucky participants with experienced coaches who will guide them towards a balanced lifestyle that promotes happiness the Finnish way. The coaching will cover four key themes: nature and lifestyle; health and balance; design and everyday life; food and well-being.
Visit Finland is looking for applicants from around the world for the upcoming Masterclass of Happiness, where ten lucky participants will have the opportunity to travel to Finland for personal coaching on how to discover their inner happiness. Applications for the four-day master class, which will take place in June 2023 in the Finnish Lake District, are open until April 2, 2023.
Masterclass information, including application details, is as follows:
· The Masterclass of Happiness will take place from June 12th to 15th, 2023 at the Kuru Resort in Finland. Ten selected participants from around the world will arrive in Finland on June 11th and depart on June 16th.
· The four-day master class will be completely free for the selected participants. Visit Finland also covers travel expenses to and from Finland. Applications are possible until April 2, 2023. Applicants can apply individually or together with another person at www.visitfinland.com/en/find-your-inner-finn.
· The Masterclass coaches are leading experts in their different fields, who help the participants to find their inner balance and to connect with nature and themselves.
· Kuru Resort, the location of the four-day master class, is a luxurious resort surrounded by fragrant pine forests and breathtaking views, located in the Finnish Lake District. Each villa is designed from the ground up with nature in mind and equipped with its own spa and sauna.
· Applicants not selected for the in-person masterclass will have the opportunity to experience the Happiness Masterclass when it becomes available as an online resource in Summer 2023.
According to the 2022 Oracle Happiness Report, 45% of people worldwide have not felt true happiness in more than two years and 25% don’t know or have forgotten what it means to feel truly happy. In Finland it is a common belief that happiness is not a mystical state but a skill that can be learned. With the Masterclass of Happiness, Finland wants to help people find their “inner Finn” and rediscover their happiness.
“Finns are often asked, ‘Why are you so happy?’ We believe Finnish happiness comes from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle,” said Heli Jimenez, Senior Director, International Marketing at Business Finland. “Finland is full of immersive nature experiences. Our energizing forests, enchanting lakes and vibrant archipelago are all perfect places to relax, unwind and reconnect with your inner happiness.”
“We want to help people find their ‘inner Finn’ and master the Finnish mindset. We chose the best coaches, one of Finland’s most stunning resorts and a time in early summer amidst the beautiful Finnish nature for our master class. We believe it is a truly unique opportunity to discover something wonderful and valuable. Anyone who is curious should definitely apply,” said Jimenez.
You can apply at www.visitfinland.com/en/find-your-inner-finn
When all is said and done, you might just be whistling a happy tune and feeling extremely “online linen‘ is the Finnish word for feeling happy and blessed. Here’s to it!
To find out more about my wanderlust and wellness journeys, please follow me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.
