A Week of Stillness in Sweden

There is a stillness in Sweden I didn’t know I needed. As I sat quietly in the soft light of a Scandinavian morning, I realised how rare it is in my everyday life to feel both my body and mind truly at ease. The calm was not just around me—it had begun to settle within me too.

This past week has been filled with new experiences, yet there has been no rush, no noise—just a steady, gentle rhythm. I came to visit my grandchildren, excited to reconnect and see how they’ve grown, but also had the unexpected joy of seeing extended family. These gatherings, simple and sincere, reminded me how grounding it is to be among people who know you well, even from afar.

In between family time, I found myself walking fairways on a beautiful golf course—not under perfect blue skies, but in mixed weather that somehow added to the charm. Rain, sun, and a soft breeze all shared the same space. It felt like a metaphor for life: we play on, regardless, and there’s beauty in every condition.

We also wandered through formal gardens, designed with great care and history, their symmetry offering a different kind of peace. And one day took us to a magnificent seaside town—exclusive, refined, and quietly buzzing with life. The marina was lined with gleaming cruisers, and the people, perfectly turned out in their relaxed but effortlessly chic clothes, moved with a kind of ease that seemed to belong to the place itself.

Part of my “role” during this stay was caring for a small holding—unexpected, but completely delightful. I watered rows of thriving tomato plants each day, their need for attention matching the intensity of the summer heat. I tended to chickens and other pets, and felt a strange satisfaction in these daily rituals. There’s something ancient and grounding about looking after living things—especially when you have to slow down to do it properly.

My grandchildren are growing up in a way that I find deeply reassuring. They eat well, move naturally, and spend time outdoors every single day. Their connection to nature, to fresh air, and to wholesome living is a kind of inheritance that goes beyond culture or geography—it’s a quiet investment in their future well-being.

This week reminded me that wellness isn’t always found in grand gestures. It’s in the routines, the quiet tasks, the closeness of family, and the spaces that invite you to breathe deeply. I came to Sweden to spend time with loved ones, but I’m leaving with a calmer body, a clearer mind, and a heart full of gratitude for the unexpected serenity I found along the way.

When was the last time you slowed down enough to notice the small things? Have you made time to step outside, breathe deeply, and connect—with nature, with loved ones, or even just with yourself? Sometimes, that’s all it takes to begin restoring both body and mind.