Imperfect film commentary from … me! Fanatical bather and purveyor of rest and gathering. In the spirit of International Women’s Day …
A few notes and considerations before watching the film…
- It is vital to take particular care of yourself before and after viewing this film if scenes that refer to SA, relational trauma, or body image impact your experience in your body.
- It is vital to recognize that this film highlights exclusively white Estonian women. However, the themes that arise are felt by the collective, and thermic bathing is a cross-cultural practice. I am forever in debt to my experience at a jimjilbang for the most moving experience of radical, intergenerational rest and embodiment. Thermic bathing is centuries old and serves as a haven, ceremonial hub, and gathering space. Sauna, soaking, cold swimming, Onsen, sweat lodge, Temazcal, cold plunge, jimjilbang, banya, hammam…however you identify with it there is meaningful and intentional rest available to many in the context of these practices.
- It is vital to note that everything expressed here is coming from my limited perspective. I am imperfect and have a lot to learn.
I've been eagerly awAITING THE RELEASE OF THIS FILM AND...
“You are more than the parts of your story that illicit pain. You are more than the parts of your story where something happened to you. You are more than the parts of your story where you didn’t get a say. You are more than the parts of your story where your wholeness was not welcome.”
Smoke Sauna Sisterhood proved to be a sacred documentation of women undisturbed; women in a cocoon of refuge and warmth. Nestled into the Estonian forest lies a place where these women feel safe to be cracked wide open by heat, steam, and friendship; their souls bearing the weight of wounds and experiences that are generations deep and millennia wide. Through scenes of song, movement, bathing, tears, giggles, and consolation viewers are given an intimate glimpse into, what I would implore, is part of the collective female experience. When we gather there is power. When we gather there is movement of stuck patterns and stale perceptions.
We hold up mirrors to one another and say; “You are more than the parts of your story that illicit pain. You are more than the parts of your story where something happened to you. You are more than the parts of your story where you didn’t get a say. You are more than the parts of your story where your wholeness was not welcome.”
The film is sincere and generous. In a world that sends out carrier pigeons to women everywhere saying, “You must be hypervigilant.”
“It isn’t safe for you out there.”
“Keep your head on a swivel.”
“There is imminent danger.”
The warmth of the sauna and the sacred togetherness of these women demonstrate another way and inspire viewers to create cocoons of their own.
One of the greatest treasures of my life is knowing expansive, female friendship. It’s a place that can provide a knowing like no other. It is everything. It is all of it.
It is…
Hot
Cold
Deep
Wide
Evolving
Intuitive
Strong
Brave
Safe
Challenging
This film profoundly displays what is possible within the container of a friendship. The darkness, the levity, the boundless care, the fellowship. It is demonstrated and captured in a way that I have never seen on screen.
Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the practice of sauna and other somatic experiences. I have facilitated thousands of sauna sessions, been one of many voices that contribute to successful sauna experiences in my region, and am very committed to the design and execution of safe and meaningful healing spaces. Most frequently that looks like around a table or in the sauna.
The generosity displayed by the women in this film invited me to ask myself: what are you doing with your time? What are you committed to doing and working on?
Someone said to me once: “When art asks you hard questions it’s in your best interest to answer!” And with that, I’ll go about pondering those questions a bit more. For more reflection on this film check out this piece in the New York Times by Beatrice Loayza.
