Wild sauna podcast

In the discussion with Elin T. Sørensen , acting as facilitator of „Parliament of species“ and Nazare Soares, acting as representative of Eden baths nature sanctuary it became clear that a certain well formulated purpose of parliament is needed in order to successfully implement it during building of wild sauna in Eden baths.

I have proposed to suggest this task in line with Eden Bahts concept (https://edenbaths.com/bathing-beyond/) ,and traditions of Lithuanian pirtis.

The 'Parliament of Species' at Eden Baths integrates natural elements comprehensively into both the wild sauna as a building/landmark and the pirtis (Lithuanian sauna) as a ritual/process, fostering a deep, multispecies dialogue.

Representation in the Sauna as Building

The wild sauna is constructed based on restorative and reversible building principles, utilising found natural materials such as loose stones, downed wood, and turf. The design consciously avoids materials like concrete or plastics. Crucially, the site selection and material usage are dictated by the 'Parliament's' decisions, ensuring the sauna is built with minimal impact, for instance, above the high-tide mark and away from sensitive areas like bird perches or regenerating turf. The structure is designed to be fully decommissionable, with materials returned to nature, demonstrating a commitment to leaving the place whole. This approach ensures that the building itself embodies a "common good, care, and diplomacy with place".

The wild sauna at Eden Baths has to resonate with ancient pirtis functional and architectural logic, serving as a contemporary 'natural model' or 'installation'—a temporary shelter that evokes the protective embrace of a totemic animal's womb. It is a tangible representation of Lithunian pirtis vision to refpresent nature elements in their harmony and promote ecological and social resilience. This structure contributes to the long-term goal of fostering solidarity and kinship in times of uncertainty, transforming participants from 'consumers of nature' to 'nature-people'. It transcends mere functionality to stand as a profound symbolic piece of architecture, representing a conscious union of primal elements, local species, and human stewardship. This unique structure will act as a living landmark and a potent message to all visitors of Eden Baths, as an embodiment of "common good, care, and diplomacy with place.

Representation in the Pirtis as Process

The pirtis ritual actively engages participants as "multispecies diplomats" for non-human cohabitants, including Stone, Water/Kelp, Air/Birds, Soil/Microbiome, and Plant/Lichen. Through sensory expeditions, participants observe, empathise, and gather "species offers"—"How can I cotrubute to pirtis?"—which directly influence the pirtis ritual planning and performing.

The guided pirtis ritual is structured to allow these elements to "speak through the senses":

• Air & Birds are represented in good ventilation, noticing sea scents, steam dynamics, breathing, exhalations.
• Water & Kelp involve soft steam, slow tempo, salt on the skin and soft touch movemens.
• Fire & Humans connect to hot steam, emotions, and catharsis.
• Stone & Earth are felt through the deep warming of silent rock-contact.
• Soil & Micro are engaged during slow cool-down, feeling textures barefoot and expressing gratitude.

During these rounds, participants are encouraged to "speak as their elements and sepcies". The ancient Lithuanian art of whisking (vanojimas) is perormed a "special sauna action" that fosters "life energy flow". Pirtis materials and whisks are collected and crafted from diverse plants like birch, oak, and juniper, further integrating flora into the ritual.

The entire process culminates in the co-authorship of a "Sauna Peace with Nature Declaration," a living accord signed with symbolic "species stamps" (stone mark, kelp print, charcoal rubbing), reinforcing a conscious commitment to and solidarity with nature. This immersive experience aims to transform participants from consumers of nature into "nature-people".