In the shelter of words – nature writing workshop in Helsinki on May 9, 2026
What if words didn't stay on paper
but stepped out into the forest or by the sea?
Sanojen sylissä (In the Arms of Words) is a nature writing workshop held on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sofia Cultural Center in Vuosaari, Helsinki, in the beautiful natural surroundings of Kallvikinniemi, by the sea and sheltered by pine forests.
REGISTER BY APRIL 24, 2026
Sanojen suojassa (In the Shelter of Words) is a one-day nature writing workshop where we read and write poems and other texts, partly outdoors and partly indoors. The workshop invites you to pause and enjoy spring, listen to your surroundings, and let words flow from the place where you are.
This is a gentle, experiential day for you, who longs for creativity without performance pressure – and space to breathe.
Inspired by Saila Susiluoto's Ritual
The workshop's main inspiration is poet Saila Susiluoto's work Rituaali (Ritual) – an eco- and forest-feminist collection of poems and spells intended for practical use. The work is designed to be recited aloud in any forest that the reader wishes to protect. The poem creates a ritualistic connection between the reciter and the environment.
The ritual is a pocket-sized book that you can take with you on a trip to the forest. It contains protective spells for the forest, curses against those who commit crimes in the forest, and poetic instructions for rituals.
Each participant receives a Ritual for themselves.
In the workshop, we will take up the challenge presented by the poet.
In the forest, we read Susiluoto's spells aloud and write our own spells to be recited in the forest or at sea. We explore what it is like when words are not just thoughts or text, but sound, movement, and a relationship with the environment.
This idea resonates with the belief held by many indigenous cultures: nature is not just a backdrop, but something that is sung into life and made alive. Perhaps this is what we need right now in Finland: to be able to recite, sing, and speak freely in the forests.
We write protective spells, listen to the place, and allow the words to become part of the landscape.
What will we do during the day?
During the workshop
read poems and short texts
write guided nature writing exercises
We will be moving partly in the forest and by the sea in the beautiful natural surroundings of Kallvikinniemi.
listen, observe, and let the environment influence your writing
Share your experiences only as much as you want to.
We write alone and together, quietly and aloud, in a safe and accepting atmosphere.
Who is this workshop suitable for?
Words will protect you if
you need nature as part of your writing
you want to write poems or short texts without any pressure to perform
you feel drawn to nature and the power of words
you want to pause and reflect on spring and your own creativity
You are looking for a day that nourishes both your mind and body.
You don't need any previous experience in nature writing or poetry. All you need is to come with curiosity and an open mind.
Price
Participation in the nature writing workshop costs €127 (including 25.5% VAT).
The price includes
gentle guidance from a trained literary therapist and language arts instructor (4 hours)
My own piece from Saila Susiluoto's work Rituaali(Ritual)
coffee/tea and a savory pastry
the opportunity to discuss and share feelings, thoughts, and texts with other writers in a safe environment.
Register by April 24, 2026, at the latest.
There is room for ten participants. The workshop will take place if there are at least six participants.
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