Lessons learned - the Moomins

The Moomins, created by Finnish author Tove Jansson, offer valuable lessons and insights that resonate with people of all ages. Here are some key lessons we can learn from the Moomins:

https://www.moomin.com/en/blog/enjoy-life-like-the-moomins/#534fb7e0

At first, when my son was small (like 2 years old), he was afraid of the Moomins. At some events, he saw the series and he didn't like it because he would point out it looked too scary and gloomy. When he started pre-school things changed and he started to know the stories about the Moomins, we have read a few books by then too. And I'll say for myself I started to like them too. The more we live in Finland, the bigger our love for the Moomins is. There is a huge trend to collect for instance coffee mugs in Finland and collect special editions of the Moomins kitchenware. It's literally everywhere you go. 

The reason why I like the Moomins is simple. You can find so many diverse characters in the story, not all are nice (just like in real life) and the Moomins stay the same, as it goes in the theme song: they are loving and caring and sharing and giving the Moomins. 

(Verse 1) Moomin, Moomin, gentle and kind Freedom and friendship are waiting to find Adventures always linger near The Moomins believe the love conquers fear

(Chorus) Come with me to Moomin Valley Where the sun always shines Come with me to Moomin Valley Where troubles are few and far behind

(Verse 2) Moomin, Moomin, your heart's full of love Your innocent wisdom is sent from above With Snufkin and Little My by your side In Moomin Valley, let's take a ride

(Chorus) Come with me to Moomin Valley Where the sun always shines Come with me to Moomin Valley Where troubles are few and far behind

It is their attitude towards life, family&friends and nature that is so inspiring. I would love to write my perspective on these valuable lessons as I have been living in Finland for over 10 years and I have witnessed how immensely the Moomins are integrated into Finnish culture from very early age. Let me sup up the psychological reasons, justifications and explanation on why to take an example from them.

Embrace nature 

As we all can vividly imagine, Finland as a country is spacious and there is a lot of nature. It is usually very easy to walk in nature, whether it is in the forest, at beach or lake.  Perhaps because of the strong feeling and connection with nature, Finns tend to score as the happiest nation in the world. Let's break it down. The psychological importance of connection with nature is profound and multifaceted, encompassing a range of benefits for mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Here are some key psychological reasons why connecting with nature is essential:

Spending time in nature has been consistently linked to reduced stress levels. Nature's calming influence, serene landscapes, and tranquil surroundings promote relaxation, lower cortisol levels, and alleviate feelings of tension and anxiety.

Connecting with nature can elevate mood and enhance emotional well-being. Exposure to natural environments stimulates the release of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin—neurotransmitters associated with happiness and positive mood. Nature also offers opportunities for awe, wonder, and appreciation, which uplift mood and foster a sense of joy and contentment.

Nature has a restorative effect on cognitive function, including attention, concentration, and memory. Time spent in natural settings reduces mental fatigue, enhances cognitive clarity, and improves problem-solving skills. Nature's sensory richness and inherent fascination engage the mind and promote mental rejuvenation.

Nature facilitates mindfulness—an awareness of the present moment with openness and acceptance. Immersion in natural surroundings encourages sensory awareness, grounding techniques, and a deep connection with the environment. Mindful engagement with nature promotes stress resilience, emotional regulation, and overall psychological well-being.

Building a connection with nature cultivates resilience—the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. Nature offers valuable lessons in impermanence, resilience, and renewal, reminding individuals of their own capacity for growth, healing, and transformation. Nature's cycles of growth, decay, and regeneration mirror the ebb and flow of life's challenges and transitions.

Connecting with nature fosters a sense of connection and belonging—to oneself, to others, and to the wider world. Nature provides opportunities for solitude and introspection, as well as shared experiences and communal bonds. Whether alone or in community, individuals feel a sense of interconnectedness and unity with nature, promoting feelings of belonging and acceptance.

Engaging with nature often involves physical activity, such as walking, hiking, or gardening. Regular physical activity in natural environments promotes physical health, vitality, and energy levels, while also boosting mood and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Cherish moments with the loved ones

The psychological importance of connection with loved ones cannot be overstated, as it plays a fundamental role in shaping our well-being, resilience, and overall quality of life. Cherishing moments involves intentionally recognizing, appreciating, and savoring the experiences, relationships, and joys that enrich our lives. Here are some ways to cherish moments and why it's important: practice mindfulness, express gratitude, capture memories, celebrate milestones, prioritise quality time, embrace imperfection, reflect on life's lessons. Cherishing moments is important because it: enhances well-being, strengthens relationships, brings meaning and purpose. 

Here are some key psychological reasons why connection with loved ones is essential:

Loved ones provide emotional support and validation during times of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. Having someone to confide in, share experiences with, and lean on during challenging times enhances emotional resilience and promotes mental health and well-being.

Generational Continuity: Family connections bridge generational divides, linking past, present, and future generations in a continuum of shared experiences and traditions. Maintaining strong family ties preserves cultural heritage, transmits family values, and strengthens intergenerational bonds, ensuring a sense of continuity and legacy for future generations.

Connection with loved ones fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is essential for psychological health. Feeling connected to family, friends, and community members provides a sense of identity, purpose, and security, contributing to overall feelings of happiness and fulfillment.

Socialization and Development: Family relationships serve as a primary context for socialization and development, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Interactions with parents, siblings, and extended family members provide opportunities for learning social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities that are essential for navigating relationships and life transitions.

Identity and Belonging: Family relationships play a central role in shaping individual identity and fostering a sense of belonging. Family members provide a sense of continuity, heritage, and shared history that contributes to a person's sense of self and cultural identity. Feeling connected to one's family roots and heritage provides a foundation of support and identity in an ever-changing world.

Emotional Bonding: Family connections are characterized by strong emotional bonds and attachments that promote feelings of love, security, and belonging. Sharing experiences, memories, and traditions with family members strengthens these bonds, fostering a sense of connectedness and unity within the family unit.

Interacting with loved ones has been shown to reduce stress levels and buffer against the negative effects of stress on mental and physical health. Social support from loved ones can mitigate the impact of stressful life events, lower cortisol levels, and promote relaxation and emotional regulation.

Positive relationships with loved ones contribute to a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-worth. Feeling valued, appreciated, and loved by others boosts self-confidence and self-assurance, while also providing a buffer against negative self-perceptions and self-doubt.

Connection with loved ones enhances resilience—the ability to bounce back from adversity and navigate life's challenges with greater ease. Having a strong support network of family and friends provides a sense of security, reassurance, and hope during difficult times, empowering individuals to persevere and thrive in the face of adversity.

Values and Morals: Family connections transmit values, morals, and ethical principles that guide individual behavior and decision-making. Through interaction with family members, individuals learn important lessons about empathy, compassion, integrity, and responsibility, shaping their moral compass and ethical worldview.

Strong social connections have been consistently linked to improved mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Interacting with loved ones promotes feelings of happiness, fulfillment, and life satisfaction, while also reducing the risk of mental health disorders and improving overall psychological well-being.

Connection with loved ones can influence lifestyle choices and health behaviors in positive ways. Engaging in activities with family and friends, such as exercise, healthy eating, and recreational pursuits, promotes physical health and well-being, while also fostering social bonds and camaraderie.