
Sisu is a Finnish word that means “strength, perseverance for a task that for some may seem crazy to undertake, almost hopeless.”
“It is a special thing that is reserved for especially challenging moments. When we feel that we have come to the end of our preconceived capacities,” says Emilia Lahti, a researcher of sisu at Aalto University in Helsinki. (from the article: Sisu: The Finnish Art of Inner Strength, 7 May 2018, Olga Smirnova, BBC)
Sisu is said to be a word that describes Finland and its people. It is used to refer to the Winter War of 1939-1940 when a small group of Finish soldiers defeated a much larger and resourced Russian army to defend their country and keep their independence.
It is more than the 2nd wind we often refer to when we are working out or working hard.
A mountaineer’s guide to sisu:
Veikka Gustafsson became a national symbol of sisu in the 1990s, when he became the first Finn to climb Mount Everest. Here are his tips.
Get used to pushing yourself a little bit further. I always say, if the water is not frozen, you can always go swimming. In the beginning, it does not seem very nice. But after a while you get used to it. You can push yourself into the icy water; afterwards you feel wonderful.
If you make a decision, stick with it no matter what.
When you face difficulties, think of how earlier generations coped with them.
If you are uncomfortable, treat it as an experience.
It sounds like a gutsy grit and determination to do the almost impossible doesn’t it?
Sisu can come with a price, burnout can be a symptom. Not asking for help because it implies weakness is tied in. It also can cause you to judge others based on your own experience and become harsh and critical. Compassion needs to be coupled to sisu.
It appears that the younger generation of Finns have not embraced sisu in Finland. Perhaps it’s a worldwide trend to find out that many of our young people have no idea just what “hard” is - they have not lived it … yet.
In fact in Finland there is a new “saying or trend”: It’s ‘kalsarikännit’, which means ‘getting drunk in your underwear at home’. A new emoji has already appeared for this.
How sad….that determination has been replaced with a carefree attitude which holds no power and weakens us.
The phrase “set His face like flint,” would not even compute to many people.
Isaiah 50:7 New King James Version (NKJV)
“For the Lord GOD will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.”
This verse to me sounds like sisu. We all have an ability to be determined and gutsy, some more than others. That is why we are not all mountain climbers or fighter pilots. We all have our set level.
But for many and I would like to say “most” of us, life at one time or another will present itself as more than you can handle. I am referring to things like; physical abuse whether as a child or adult; an unexpected death of a loved one; an accident that leaves you broken and irreparably damaged; bankruptcy; a disease that you never saw coming. For these “lifequake” moments you will need sisu and more.
Lifequake is a noun that describes life as “a significant, sudden and unexpected shift in your life that initially feels devastating but has the beneficial outcome of catalyzing personal growth, transformation and rebirth.”
For many of us we read this definition and we stop at the word devastating. We cannot phantom how such a heartache that we face or faced could ever have a benefit. I can tell you from experience that saying kind of phrase this to a broken person is mean- spirited. That hurting broken person cannot ever see “good” in the lifequake that rocked their world.
But… staying stuck at the word devastating is also alarming. There is a normal progression that happens after tragedy and it is a hard journey. It’s convoluted, it’s uphill and downhill, it’s rocky and steep, but the path should take us forward to a better place than when the lifequake first happened. There is no timeline, but there are progression signs along the way. Can you look back and say it’s not great but easier than it was at the initial shock? How about in 6 months to a year? How about 2 or 3 years? Looking back can you see your progress?
The Biblical Isaiah verse starts with, “For the Lord God will help me.”
That hurting person needs “the Lord God” to help them if anything beneficial or growth is to happen. This kind of growth can only come from a higher power. It’s more than we ourselves can muster. But I take great hope that it may be possible. For me it is that high mountain peak I am ascending on my journey right now in my life. It is the G forces of the fighter jet that is threatening to pull my body apart from heartache and pain.
I actually told God this morning that I think I am at the end of my natural capabilities. He assured me that that is good because now He will carry the rest, I do not have too and I can stop trying to muster up the grit. What a relief!
I had someone describe my life right now as being strapped in to 2 different roller coasters. Each going in a different direction; that was a really clear description of how I feel. I want to get out of the ride but it is not safe yet - the coaster is still moving. It would be stupid to try to exit the roller coaster at this time. So then what do I do if I want off the ride?
Well I can try to wave at the attendant to get their attention but I am pretty sure many people regret their decision to get on a rollercoaster. They have probably seen many people want to get off.
I cannot help the person in front of me or behind me because the force of the ride pushes me back in my seat unable to move. I can only focus on me at this point in the ride and that is where I am at and I am okay with it.
I can try to muster up grit and determination to endure the ride. But you know in all honesty, like really, I’m screaming my head off and yelling “Oh God, please help me!” at the top of my lungs.
He is my help, He is my anchor, has been for 40 plus years and He will continue to be. Do I like the ride? Heck No! But I am out of sisu and getting drunk in my underwear just is not an option. So I am going to let God fight for me. He says He will and I believe Him.
The Bible is a history book. It is His story of how He shows up over and over in people’s lives. He shows up in mine too and sometimes I need the reminder of His story to settle my brain and my heart.
His promises of, “I will never leave or forsake you,” are balm to my soul. Today as I undergo some surgery it is what I will hang my heart on.
What do you need today? Find and write out His promise for you today. Stick it on the fridge or the bathroom mirror. Remind yourself that you might have sisu but He has absolutely everything you need.
hope you are doing well post surgery
excellent message about sisu
feeling grateful this morning, for all kinds of reasons
mostly because I have many many wonderful people in my life, people like you...
warmly, gina