The turning of the centuries and decades have molded our northern society and environment. The same has happened to our customs and traditions, which have had to give room to new ones. Us – people of the forests have turned in to people of the cities.

Now, let the room become our forest, the lamps on the floor our campfire and the mattresses our trees to sit on. Are we actually as far from our roots as we might think? Let’s make a modern campfire and give a kantele to each around it. With that we can join the forever ongoing chain of generations gathering around the fire playing primitive music together. First, the rhythm starts from our breathing and then, we let our emotions, memories and images rise from the instrument.

Kantele Meditation is inspired by Finnish folklore traditions as an alternative to eastern yoga and silence exercises. We have common methods and terminology that are suitable tools for meditation in our own Baltic Finnish traditions. In our traditions, the aspects that we frequently talk about as flow or trance is referred to as ”silent enlightenment” or with the kantele, ”the playing of one’s inner power”. The kantele has served as a tool to reach other levels of consciousness, to turn inwards towards oneself and to be silenced. The music created in chanting meditation is experienced more as being than by doing.

The Experience
We begin with an introduction to the secrets of the kantele and then continue with an exercise to relax and finish with a group improvisation, which offers everyone the opportunity to participate in creating a soundscape, listening, being present and playing from their own starting points. During meditation, you have the option to relax and listen instead of playing the kantele. No previous playing experience is required. The kantele is a five-string instrument in which everyone can make beautiful sounds.
The instructors can provide a kantele for use or you can bring your own kantele.

Instructors:
Osmo Hakosalo: Musician, folk and commune musician, folk music pedagogue
Erja Pätsi: Musician, folk musician, expert in cultural wellbeing and breathing and relaxing instructor.
Come and experience unique Kantele Meditation with us. Previous experience of kantele playing is not required. We provide instruments to the participants.

Here is a short introduction video of the meditation: