What exactly is Sisu? Can I see it? Do I feel it when I have it? How do I measure it? If I lose it even if only for a minute…where does it go? Adversities form an integral part of my human experience, but what is it that enables me to endure the toughest of situations and act against nearly impossible odds? What keeps me going when I feel I have reached the end of my abilities?
In Scandinavian culture, Sisu is viewed positively as the art of courage, in fact, for many, it’s a part of being Finnish. And it’s not only Finland that embraces a gritty element to their national character; the Japanese have their version, Ganbaru, which means to slog on tenaciously through rough times. And, if we look a little closer to home, there’s the concept of the British Stiff Upper Lip.
In 1745, a Finnish bishop used the term ‘Sisucunda’ to describe the region of the body where strong feelings originate. After the winter war of 1939/40, the word Sisu rose in popularity as the Finns used it to cement and display their tenacity and strength.
Over time, the word Sisu came to represent a sense of drive and determination, the mantra that the things that we should do will be done. We may think of it as a strength or resilience that helps overcome any challenges.
Sisu – pronounced See’- Soo. You can say “Sisua or Sisulla vaan” (meaning “Use your sisu.”) when you are supporting another person who is facing a challenge. You can also say that someone has Sisu, for example: “Annella on Sisua” or “Anna on Sisukas.” this translates as “Anna has Sisu.” or “Anna is filled with Sisu.”
Sisus means ‘internal’, which is why it is sometimes translated to ‘guts’ or ‘inner strength’, and is often used synonymously with grit, determination, and resilience. It is like an internal traffic light, cautioning me to slow down or stop when a situation isn’t good for me or when I am not ready or giving me the green go-ahead to move at full speed when something is right.
It is a place I visit like working out, listening to something motivational or meditating to get more energy than the regular mood I am in. I couldn’t be in a Sisu mood all the time. I use my Sisu to get an extra push and I can use it as much as I want.
It is like a muscle. With conscious attention and focus, it is something I can strengthen. it feels like I am being drawn toward my best interests, even if it requires me to take a risk. There’s hope and maybe even underlying excitement.
It’s much more growth-oriented in my body and tends to feel like a calm, inner knowing. It’s relaxed and characterised by trust knowing that if something doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world. It feels like a sense of expansion and openness.
It is also the strength of character that lives in me. It takes courage to find my inner strength and embrace my potential when times are difficult. I can celebrate my strengths in everything I do. To recognise and understand my courageous determination is the ultimate gift of fortitude.
It is extraordinary courage and determination in the face of adversity. It’s about not seeing a silver lining in the clouds yet jumping into the storm anyway. At the core of Sisu is the idea that, in each of us, there is more strength than meets the eye.
My biggest obstacles are between my ears; what I tell myself. It’s often true that the biggest challenges I face are the ones in my mind, which is why combining compassion alongside Sisu is incredibly important. It is my thoughts, feelings, and behaviour which will, or will not, enable me to reach my desired goal. I must consider my limitations and capabilities and reflect on whether this brings me the results I truly want.
Its very essence means something different to each one of us. It is deeply rooted in our own experiences. Strength adds a layer to my life’s tapestry. I travel a long and wonderful path during my journey, no matter where it takes me. One of the best gifts I give myself is living in the moment. It takes strength to permit myself to be here, at this very minute.
Mother Nature is my role model for inner strength and being ever-strong. She has the quiet indomitable ability to survive and thrive. No matter what, Mother Nature, is constant, persistent, and solid. Watching the simplicity of light and shadows dance and play among the flowers is a pure joy as I share in the loveliness of nature’s bountiful endurance.
The beauty of a river that flows with peaceful serenity moving leisurely on its steadfast path inspires me to take life as it comes along. Inner strength can be silent, powerful, and determined. It is the willpower to continue even when there seems to be nothing else to do. It is the awesomeness of a solitary tree standing so immovable against all of nature’s elements.
Understanding that inner strength is a lifestyle that needs to be nurtured and developed like any other area helps to increase my strength. For example, If I don’t exercise my legs regularly, then I can’t expect them to run a marathon, but if I work out regularly to develop those muscles, there’s no limit to what I can achieve. The same goes for Sisu. If I remain unaware of its existence, it will be harder for me to use it when times get tough, but when I make Sisu a part of my lifestyle, it becomes my best tool for facing adversity.
Even though the construct of Sisu has its roots in Finland, inner strength is relevant to all human beings anywhere in the world. It is a potential which we all share, and which can have a powerful impact on our daily lives. It is embodied by people everywhere who defy the odds and hold on to hope when there seems to be none at first.
The aim of Sisu is not to silence anyone, but to end the silence around interpersonal violence, remove the stigma and shame imposed on individuals who have experienced it, and create a community to which survivors feel proud to belong. Sisu not Silence features and highlights stories of overcoming abuse, regaining strength, and reclaiming ownership of one’s story, if it was once lost.
We are all born with a certain amount of Sisu. We all can choose whether we want to develop our Sisu. Though this characteristic can lie dormant or become blocked by our fears, it is still there in us. The best way to develop your Sisu is to become aware of it and learn how to apply it to your life effectively.
Having balanced elements of perseverance, grit, and resilience allows us to achieve desired outcomes when facing adversity, without costing our mental health. The key to resilience, to achieving success, is having a positive and healthy balance in mindset, empathy, and compassion.
Sisu isn’t about ignoring or suppressing emotional pain, and it’s certainly not about continually pushing myself to the ends of my capabilities, day in, and day out. It’s about acknowledging difficulties (whether they are coming from within my mind or are imposed by the world around me) and doing what is needed to rise above them.
So, whenever I am going through a tough time, I remind myself to take a moment to show myself some kindness. Recall moments in my life when I embraced my inner strength. Overcome that critical inner voice by remembering past times when I exceeded my expectations to get through.
It’s not all about what I can do for myself, or training my internal thoughts. One important factor in embracing Sisu is that it requires an action-oriented mindset. Particularly when I am struggling, one of the best ways to access support is to reach out to others. Having the courage to ask for help is perhaps one of the best indicators of strength.
Whatever struggle I am facing, in whatever aspect of my life, I can embrace Sisu. It isn’t about climbing the whole mountain; it’s just about finding the strength to take the first step.