I am a descendant of folk singers and fiddlers, and music rooted itself in my life early on. By the time I turned 10, singing had become the most important key to self-expression for me. Like many young people today, I often felt like an outsider. Even among friends, I didn’t always feel like I belonged. However, when I sang, I never felt disconnected—from myself or my surroundings. In the moment of song, I felt freedom. Me. My voice. My resonant world.

Through song, I also felt a connection to others. I found a comforting echo through which I could reflect on myself and my experiences. Singing helped me find my place. I found a way to be with others while still maintaining a connection to my own feelings.

Social media and other communication models not only create new ways of acting but also increase pressure and tension. These models leave little or no room for experiencing our inner feelings, which we need to reconnect with ourselves. It feels particularly timely now to create models that support well-being, helping us more sensitively find our connection to the environment.

The voice is a direct channel to emotions, and sometimes facing those emotions has felt overwhelming. At the same time, song has provided a way for self-regulation. Through my voice, even in the midst of emotional turmoil, I have returned to the rhythm of my breath, connected with the sensations of my body, and found the ability to be present, deepening my connection to myself and others.

When we find our channel for being present in our body and voice, we can calm ourselves to listen to both ourselves and our surroundings. We can be with our own feelings and thoughts or share them in conversations and encounters with others, without losing our sense of self, preserving the peace of nature. And when our voice resonates with nature, vibrating in harmony with the environment and other people, we may no longer feel so disconnected or isolated.

Through song, we can find a sense of closeness and security, our place in nature and the world.

It remains to be seen what new forms of being, seeing, and enjoying nature the culture of singing in nature will awaken in the future.

While writing this collection, my mind has often wandered to the moments and people who have influenced my singing journey—friends, colleagues, family, students, and clients. Thank you for being. Thank you to my teacher Sheila, who taught me that singing is so much more than just singing. You showed by example that a positive attitude and trust in guiding are far more significant than all the knowledge and skills in the world.

This collection wouldn’t be here without Ola, Tuomas, Satu, and Susanna. Thank you all for your support and shared experience. And thank you again to Petra, Elli, Eppu, Mika, and Susa, for bringing Nature Singing to life. Finally, thank you to you for being here in this moment with me. Thank you.