We’re a species that requires interaction. It’s just the reality of what we are. We’re part of the greater ecosystem on this planet in which we, like every living thing, play a significant part. For all our needs & wants –highlighted in Maslow’s hierarchy — human contact is the common denominator right after physiological musts. Touch, empathetic connection & mental stimulation from others are needs. Research shows we deteriorate, sometimes aggressively, without it. In short, human interaction is critical to a healthy existence.
HOWEVER….
Separation is important too. Space. Time with oneself. Peace & Quiet. An open stretch on your schedule. If that’s being in the wilderness or on a silent retreat or staying home for a while without the phone. (Yes, binge-watching in your underwear on the sofa or in bed may be an acceptable option, here.)
I do not own this image, no copyright infringement is intended
I am often “Spiritually Finnish”. (I just wanted a reason to use that term.) In more neutral words, I enjoy my ‘me’ time. I was a bit shocked when I first encountered this term in a piece I was reading. I thought it seemed nationalistically subjective &, therefore, bound to upset people. & it likely has. Once I discovered the term/context originated from an entertaining comic strip “Finnish Nightmares”, I realized just how much I can relate.
I do not own this image, no copyright infringement is intended
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with several Finns at the Toronto International Film Festival. The Finnish filmmaking-pals I developed there were always affable, easy going, even engaging! We even evolved to the point where I was sometimes invited to their end-of-festival gatherings. Always a good time. Oddly in contrast to the bleak, grim, emotionally neutral feel of their films, art & stereotypes.
Balance, it seems, really is important.
Spiritually Finnish is apparently all the rage now in China. “Jingfen”, as it’s known, is especially a big hit with Chinese millennials. I suspect the brilliance of Finnish Nightmares is it presents situations & encounters we can all relate to raising the only question you really need to answer: are you Spiritually Finnish? Or just socially awkward?
I do not own this image, no copyright infringement is intended
As for me, I enjoy spending time around people, socializing, participating in the energy exchanges we all experience that are a huge part of what it means to have a human experience. It informs. It’s part of the work we undertake as writers, artists, dancers, actors & virtually everything else.
HOWEVER….
I like my solitude. At least as much.
On a side note, the second season of HBO’s hit comedy, Veep, features Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character, Vice-president Selena Meyers’, first meeting with the fictional Finnish Prime Minister, Minna Hakkinen. & it’s sensationally socially awkward.