Under the Northern Lights
I was frustrated a little while ago that I spent almost the entire autumn without seeing the northern lights. Magical, still so lovely and irresistible lights in the sky. As if the universe—who knows—had heard my lament. Recently, the evenings have been filled with the glow of the northern lights. Sometimes they are just a faint beam of light on the horizon, while at other times, like on the night I took pictures, they shine across the entire sky, illuminating the surroundings with their magical green light.
Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland
I have had the opportunity to guide people on a northern lights tour as a nature guide. Hunting for the magical lights considered so special all over the world, which do not shine on command. It is frustrating to see travelers who have come from nearly ten thousand kilometers away arrive on a cloudy night and not see the northern lights. On the other hand—and I tell them this out loud—I think it is very important and beautiful that there are still things in the world, in nature, that cannot be bought with money. No matter what you do or how much you turn Lapland upside down, if the northern lights do not shine that night, you just have to accept your fate.
However, we are still probably, and absolutely hopefully, never the masters of this planet or the commanders of natural forces.
At the same time, I remember how unique and wonderful it is that I can see these sought-after lights from my own yard. When I see how much effort and money some people are willing to invest to see the northern lights, I feel immensely lucky and grateful.
Once again.
I will spend the New Year with my group of friends—whom I also call my Lapland family—following the familiar routine of sauna, good food, and cherished company. Sometimes I am still amazed at how lucky I am to have found wonderful people and a place I can call home under this vast northern sky. I moved here alone, but I have been anything but alone.
With these magical lights in the sky, I wish everyone a wonderful, enchanting New Year. May 2022 be the best one yet, bringing many things to be grateful for, new adventures, beloved people, and a touch of magic ✨
♥ Hugs, Sanna