Sisu: The Finnish Mindset for Happiness and Resilience

Description

We are facing a generation that increasingly struggles with depression, anxiety, distraction, and a lack of purpose and connection.

As Jonathan Haidt wrote in “The Anxious Generation”, people don’t get depressed when they face threats collectively; they get depressed when they feel isolated, lonely, or useless.

Many educators have been searching for effective solutions to support the new generations.

Drawing inspiration from Finland, the world’s happiest country, this course is designed to address the failures of well-being in this generation. Participants will examine why today’s generation is more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.

They will discover that happiness is not a feeling, not the ultimate goal in life, but a direction and a set of skills that can be learned and practiced to support individuals to live towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Additionally, participants will explore the Finnish approaches to happiness, resilience, and well-being. They will gain insights from the concept of Sisu, which is often described as “grit,” “perseverance,” “determination,” “resilience,” or “inner strength.”

During the course, participants will immerse themselves in Finnish nature and experience mindfulness and various ways of connecting with nature.

Furthermore, to address the anxious generation, which may have an unhealthy reliance on digital devices, they will also discuss strategies to foster digital well-being and safety and take away some practical tools that support the well-being of the highly digitalized lifestyles of the young generation.

Last but not least, to enable students to see a positive future, teachers will learn how to practice hope pedagogy, which enables educators to create a learning environment where learners can find hope, empathy, and trust.

By the end of the course, they will be empowered with knowledge, competencies, and strategies to design learning experiences and environments that bring hope, empathy, and empowerment to address the diverse needs of their students.

Please note: Transportation tickets for study visits are not included in the course fee.

Concept by Pui Ying Law, Mirjami Junnikkala

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:

• Understand the foundations of well-being;
• Uncover the cultural and systemic factors that contribute to Finland being the “happiest country”;
• Experience and gain insights from Finnish cultural values;
• Apply the concept of Finnish Sisu;
• Incorporate mindfulness and digital balance;
• Promote hope and purpose in learning;
• Foster empathy and community;
• Transform classroom culture.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the Finnish art of Sisu

• Examine why today’s generation is more prone to depression and anxiety
• Discuss how happiness is a skill that can be learned and developed
• Discover the Finnish Art of Sisu

Day2 – Sisu for resilience and perseverance

• Does Sisu make us happy? Uncover the cultural and systemic factors that contribute to Finland being the “happiest country”;
• Explore the concept of Finnish Sisu and its role in resilience and perseverance;
• Discover how Sisu fosters emotional strength in students and teachers

Day 3 – Sisu for wellbeing

• Experience mindfulness techniques inspired by Finland’s strong connection with nature
• Discover how outdoor activities can promote focus and emotional balance;
• Gain insights into Finland’s approach to digital well-being.

Day 4 – Sisu for hope and future

• Understand Hope Pedagogy in Finland and its role in fostering purpose and optimism;
• Explore strategies to help students envision meaningful futures;
• Design learning experiences that ignite curiosity and meaningfulness and empower students.

Day 5 – Sisu for Community and connection

• Fostering empathy and connection in the classroom;
• Develop practices inspired by Finnish values of trust, equality, and inclusivity;
• Create an action plan to build a positive and connected school community.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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