Iceberg Sessions: Men's Sauna by Nordic Night Sauna

Duration

1 Hour Session

About

In a world where many men have learned to keep their feelings below the surface, the Iceberg Sessions invite you to melt the ice and embrace vulnerability. These peer-to-peer gatherings create a safe space for you to practice sharing your emotions, connect with others, and learn new ways to navigate life's joys and challenges.

👥 Format:

A community where everyone is on a learning and growing journey together.

Hosted by a facilitator, but no hierarchy exists.

Each week, we'll delve into a specific topic, inviting members to share their thoughts and stories. While connections may form over time, there's no obligation to attend every week – drop in as you wish.

🌌 Purpose: Iceberg Sessions are intended to help men practice being vulnerable in a safe and respectful community. In the warmth and inclusive environment of the sauna, you are invited to seek friendship, connection, community, and personal or emotional growth. It's not just about becoming who you are meant to be but also celebrating who you are right now.

Join us in thawing the conditioning that keeps emotions beneath the surface.

This is not a formalized program or professional counseling, and should not be treated as such

If you haven’t saunaed with us before, no problem. Please arrive 5 minutes early and check in with the sauna host.

What to expect

When you arrive, make your way back to the geodesic dome. A sauna host will greet you and get you checked in. You’ll be shown where to place your belongings and how to access the bathrooms inside Farmshed if needed. Please arrive wearing your swimsuit.

What to Expect:

A host will guide the experience and will serve as a fellow peer to help guide the discussion and maintain a safe and respectful space. After brief introductions, you will be invited to enter the hot room where each member will sit and take in the warmth and find comfort in the heat. Each member will be invited to set an intention, followed by a few moments of reflection. The host will then prompt the topic for the evening and you will be invited to practice being vulnerable to share your own experience, or lack thereof, with other guests.

Each person will have different capabilities in their ability or comfort to share and that is okay. We are all on different life paths and there is no expectation to share. We are just glad you have brought your presence to share a vulnerable space with us.

After the first hot round, we will step out to take in the fresh outdoor air and drink a bit of water. Discussion will resume when we enter the hot room and we’ll do this for two more rounds. We’ll conclude the evening with a ritual to recognize the work we are doing, that we’re all in this together, and you are worthy of love and deserve to be your whole self.

What to wear

While saunas are traditionally taken in the nude, we are definitely still at clothed status here in the midwest. We want you to be comfortable, so know that metal clasps on swimsuits can get hot. Please arrive wearing your swimsuit/saunawear. Wear what you feel most comfortable in- Athletic wear, swimsuit, shorts, tshirt, etc. Please arrive wearing your suit/saunawear

What to bring

• A pair of slip-on sandals/shoes • A water bottle • Two towels • A robe is either a luxury item or a necessity depending on who you ask;) We say bring one!

What NOT to bring

Pack light and leave any valuables at home. There are no lockers on-site and limited space for keeping your personal items. Nordic Night is not responsible for any items that are brought with you to your session.

Prepare with hydration

In order to end up feeling good, it is critically important to hydrate before, during, and after your sauna session. We recommend 0.5 liters (16 ounces) of water BEFORE you show up to sauna. We’ll take care of your hydration needs once you are here.

Accessibility

The entrance to the sauna is a series of 3 small steps with a single handrail. The interior of the sauna is an intimate space that requires participants to have the ability to maintain balance while walking into the sauna and getting onto and off of the benches. If you have limited mobility or any concern about your ability to safely navigate steps, uneven surfaces, or benches without handrails, please reach out to me in advance. I am always happy to work together to determine if the space is accessible for you and if modifications can be made. Please contact us if you have questions.

Nordic Night Community Sauna Rules and Guiding Principles

1. This is a safe and welcoming environment for all. You leave your belongings and most of your clothing at the door, and with it you are invited to leave anything else that is not serving you or your community. As the Finnish proverb states, all humans are equal, but nowhere more so than in a sauna. Both you and your neighbors on the sauna bench are worthy of love, dignity, and respect. Remember you are in a shared space.
2. No phones in the sauna! If you want a photo, your sauna host is happy to snap one of you and/or your group outside the sauna or through the window. Go for it! Most jewelry and hair clips should also be removed before entering the sauna. Rings tend to do fine, but metal necklace pieces on your neck will get too hot to the touch and most other hair clips and accessories will potentially warp.
3. All guests will be required to sit on a towel while in the sauna. No body lotions or oils are to be used on the skin before your session. These measures help maintain the integrity of the sauna surfaces.
4. Absolutely no food is allowed in the sauna. We recommend leaving your water bottle outside of the hot room.
5. Alcohol and sauna do not mix well. Never drink before, and if you choose to drink after, hydrate excessively. Sauna requires a level of awareness that being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs impairs. If you are noticeably under the influence of any kind, you will be asked to reschedule your sauna session to keep yourself and others safe.
6. Close the door after you’ve entered the sauna. Please do not stand half in half out.
7. Take your towel with you after each round and consider selecting a new seat upon re-entry. We want to make sure everyone has a chance to experience different seats in the sauna. It’s good to know that the top bench is considerably hotter than the lower bench.
8. The sauna host is always willing to help answer questions and help you gauge how long to stay in the sauna. That said, you should always exit the sauna if you feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy. Feelings of being “too hot,” mildly to moderately anxious, uncomfortable, or claustrophobic are a welcome opportunity to breathe through and start to modulate that response. Your guide can help.
9. Stay home if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Cough (new onset or worsening of chronic cough), Shortness of breath, Fever or chills, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell. We will work with you to reschedule your sauna session.

Thank you for creating a comfortable and safe space for all.