Recharging in Nature after a Biohacking Retreat

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A Biohacking Journey Across the Baltic Sea

The Estonian coastline drifted into the distance as I stood on the ferry deck bound for Helsinki. I was leaving behind a rejuvenating few days leading exercise sessions at a biohacking retreat outside Tallinn. Now, I was ready to continue my Nordic adventures with the Biohacker Center Finland team.

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My colleagues were on board the ferry as well, having worked together to organize the Estonia retreat. We brought all our event equipment in the rented van to transport back to Helsinki. As the massive ferry set sail, I headed straight for the lavish lunch buffet. I loaded my plate with grilled veggies, salmon, and salad. Feeling adventurous, I tried what looked like caviar – but it was just seaweed flavored to imitate fish eggs! I didn't enjoy the fake caviar, though the creativity impressed me. Fueled up on healthy food, I reveled in the sea breeze on the deck.

Two hours later, we docked in Helsinki. I was excited to finally see the Biohacker Center office after collaborating remotely for so long. Their startup vibe was palpable, with ergonomic office environments, brain-boosting snacks, and a biohacking setup. We unloaded all products and equipment and brought them back to the office together. I could tell this driven team has built something special.

After visiting the office, I took the train to my friend Jani Toivonen’s countryside log cabin. Jani is a renowned sound healer I’ve had the honor of learning from. His home sits on a peaceful lake surrounded by forests. He did a house and neighbor tour for me before cooking up traditional Finnish meatballs. It was the perfect reset after my hectic travel.

The following day, Jani and I woke up with a brisk swim in the frigid lake. Nothing shocks you awake like a Nordic ice bath! We laced up hiking boots and spent the afternoon roaming the birch forest trails around his property. Among the mossy trees, we tuned into nature, appreciating the simple sounds of birdsong and our footsteps. These mindful moments epitomize biohacking for me.

After bidding Jani farewell, I headed to Rautalampi to visit Salli Chair’s headquarters. This innovative company makes ergonomic swivel chairs that improve posture. Their itinerary had me eagerly awaiting forest bathing, a campfire dinner, and a sauna session! The founder, Vessi, gave me a personal factory tour, showing how each chair is assembled by hand. I gained invaluable insights about designing wellness products during our lunchtime Q&A.

The trip culminated with a final meetup back in Helsinki. I tried to spend time with my teammates as long as I could, so I joined their events, Jani’s Sound Therapy and Ecstatic Breathwork by Leigh and Mikko.

My breathwork journey reached new heights at Alto University, led by Leigh Ewin and Mikko Heikinpoika. We started with a 360 audio immersion as Mikko played live music. Leigh expertly guided us through rounds of circular breathing, each one taking us deeper. As I lay there, my lungs expanding with consciousness, a euphoric energy coursed through my veins. An hour dissolved into eternity. In my semi-psychedelic state, I envisioned stardust and swirling fractals. It was as if my heart and Mikko’s music became one, attuning me to the cosmos. I emerged renewed and buzzing with divine inspiration from this profoundly ecstatic experience.

My Biohacker Center colleagues and I enjoyed a Mediterranean feast outside, fueled by laughter and thought-provoking conversation. Their passion for transforming lives is genuinely infectious. Deni brought hunted bear meat, so we had BBQ. Veronika made traditional Slovak pancakes, Palacinky, from scratch. It was a fantastic family lunch the day before I returned to Boston.

Slovak pancakes, *Palacinky* & Bear meat

As my ferry carried me across the Baltic Sea, this journey transported me through the best Nordic culture. The natural beauty of Finland’s forests and lakes recharged me after an intense work stint. Priceless moments with friends nourished my mind, body, and spirit. I returned home rejuvenated, inspired, and connected.