International Summer Seminar in Helsinki, Finland 2025

This year, our Finnish teacher Kirsti Niskala organized the summer seminar at a cultural center a few miles outside Helsinki. In the middle of the pine forest, on a peninsula with just 100 meters to the sea, IATBBAT, the international teacher and teacher trainee group, gathered for a week of in-depth practice in Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT). In addition to two Finnish participants, there were representatives from the Netherlands, Turkey, Estonia, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

The first day consisted of sightseeing around Helsinki and coming together as a group. How wonderful it is to have the opportunity to meet every year!

The next day, the in-depth week began. We shared the responsibility, and both teachers and teacher trainees had the chance to lead practice sessions.

Everyone was free to choose their own structure and focus. It turned out to be a nice mix of repetition and deeper exploration of the core of Basic Body Awareness Therapy. Some also chose to lead us through exercises based on a theme they wanted to explore further. This year the focus was on the pelvic floor and boundaries.As usual, we had reflection sessions and discussions about personal experiences and pedagogical aspects.

We also practiced tai chi daily, and this year the 24-form was in focus—a new and inspiring encounter for most of us. Our shared morning and evening meditations framed the days, offering space for wordless deepening and integration.

The moments outside our structured schedule were filled with wonderful fellowship, inspiring conversations, lots of laughter, and refreshing salty swims.

Maria and Jenny from Sweden, 2025-08-08