Hi to you all! I'm back to Minneapolis, after a long mushy Sauna Brain summer. I was able to re-find myself in the woods and alongside some virtues such as gratitude, enoughness, and simplicity. Sauna is a great place to let these sink in. As you throw some water and make some steam, I hope these virtues are resonating with you as well.
The Power of good over perfection
Being well informed is a wonderful thing. Yet, too much can lead us to a place of confusion and second guessing every sauna building decision. Instead, what a great feeling to free our minds with the power of accepting good enough.
SAUNA The Power of Deep Heat book review
Speaking of power, please check out Garrett Connover’s book review here. “Sauna is not presented as a chronological travelogue. Each chapter groups larger themes such as health, community, history, rituals, and connection to nature, and within each are sub-headings which detail finer points.”
Sauna Life: from heat up to cool down
And speaking of sauna books, this one has a logo and has moved over to edit mode!~
Public Sauna of the Month
Tom Carlson visits with Dan and Anya from the Banya House just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hugely, highly recommend, their guided journey to banya bliss has surely put The Banya House on the map.
Sauna Talk
Live and direct from the World’s Largest Sauna, join me as I interview some of the folks behind the event and the sauna’s construction. The heat was fantastic. The holy trinity of good sauna (heat, steam, ventilation), resonated from head to toe, all festival long.
Sauna for sale
A kick ass sauna need not have to cost the better part of an annual wage. Here’s a brand new SaunaTimes approved 8’x12’ sauna with cool down room. If you’re ready to make your own löyly by the holidays, I can help make it happen for you. Hit reply to this newsletter, let me know where you live, and I’ll be “warmed” to share more.
This sauna could go for at least $30k, but is being offered to the right buyer at a one time killer price of $25k plus shipping from Central Wisconsin. Please contact me if you’re ready to say yes, and I’ll be happy to share more.
My book can guide you on how to build from your feet up to the roof. If you're thinking specific Ikea style plans, than perhaps a kit is more up your alley.. i can help direct you in that direction if so.
Thank you for another great newsletter. The article "The power of good over perfection" really spoke to me. I'm in the process of building my first wood fired sauna. I started with Glenn's book and advice, Trumpkin's notes, etc. Social media can provide both a wealth of information as well as misinformation. As a result I began to second guess my decisions.
In the end my sauna will not be "perfect" and it was never intended to be. For this project I specifically did NOT use CAD tools for the design. This was an old school pencil and graph paper design. I'm not a contractor but I am an experienced DIY builder. It has been rewarding to use a tape, pencil, and saw to build the structure. Resolving any issues onsite is also rewarding.
There are some very good references on social media. Opinions run ramped but I pay attention to the comments from reputable builders as they share from their experiences. The sauna community is very active and supportive. Readers simply need to pay attention to the source of the comments.
Great article and reminder for all builders. Thank you!