Silence Awareness Existence is a thematic residency program in Finland for artists and creative minds, engaged in the theme on various fields. The program brings together international artists and professionals from different backgrounds. Artistic, scientific, meditative and existentialistic approaches are all equally embraced. 

Taking place at the heart of the Northern winter, the conditions are excellent for concentrating intensively on your work, thinking and being, as well as for sharing experiences and ideas with other, similarly oriented minds. There is no pressure to have a concrete productive outcome, in case your focus is more in inner development, self-reflection and research. In order to deepen the experience, there are some special elements in the program, including silent (no speaking) days and offline days.

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Last night I walked for a long time

I wanted to lay on the sidewalk facing down while weeping silently 

I couldn't

I couldn't stop walking

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I want to drink a lot of water. 

An insane urge to drink water. 

Drink water until I feel sick. 

Drink water until I die.

Drink cold water that makes my throat feel awkward.

Fill a giant cup with water and ice and drink it very quickly. 

Do that and feel powerful.

Throw water in the sink and yell.

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- Matthew Donahoo