Building Strong, One Step at a Time: Celebrating the Foundation of Our DIY Sauna

The foundation is down. What once was a set of empty holes is now filled with concrete, creating a stable base for something meaningful and enduring. This milestone marks the first physical manifestation of my vision for this project, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this progress.

But as much as this moment inspires a sense of accomplishment, it’s also a reminder of something more: building something lasting takes time, care, and patience. And sometimes, it means going back, rethinking, and recalibrating to get it just right.

The Practice of Taking It Slow

When I started this project, I was brimming with excitement, eager to dive in and make rapid progress. I wanted results immediately. But I was quickly reminded a valuable lesson: rushing often leads to mistakes. Small errors, overlooked details, and hasty decisions can compromise the entire effort.

Take the foundation holes, for example. On a whim, I rented an auger the same day a friend suggested we get started. While we managed to make some progress, the holes were misaligned, and the drill bit was exactly the size of the foundation tubes, leaving no margin for error. The consequence? A grueling week of backbreaking labor as I manually adjusted each hole to fit.

Had we taken the time to plan carefully, to think through the details and anticipate potential challenges, we could have done it right the first time. This experience taught me an early, humbling truth: whether you're building something physical or navigating personal growth, you can’t rush the process. Patience and preparation are essential for lasting success.

Progress isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about moving forward the right way. Redoing steps isn’t failure; it’s diligence. It’s attention to detail. It’s understanding that meaningful work demands care and intention, even if the path isn’t linear.

I spent every evening that week meticulously revising the work we had rushed to complete in just a few hours. When it came time to pour the concrete, I chose to forego renting a mixer and instead mixed each pier by hand. This deliberate, methodical approach allowed for steady progress, and over the course of another week, I was able to pour the piers with precision and care. As I smoothed the concrete and watched it set, I was reminded of a core principle from Zen teachings and recovery: "Beginner’s Mind." This philosophy encourages us to approach each task with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, as if experiencing it for the very first time. It challenges us to release preconceived notions and embrace the process with fresh, unclouded eyes.

Every stumble or setback during the project became a chance to reflect, to pause, and to grow. Moments of frustration turned into lessons in patience and resilience. It was humbling yet grounding, a vivid reminder that even the most mundane tasks carry opportunities for discovery and growth. Through this experience, I am reminded that progress isn’t about rushing to the finish line—it’s about building something strong and purposeful, one deliberate step at a time.

The Importance of Mindfulness and Patience

Building this sauna hasn’t just been about creating a physical space; it’s been an exercise in mindfulness. Each action has required me to be present—to focus on the task at hand and not worry about everything that still lies ahead. There’s something therapeutic about working with your hands, about dedicating time and energy to something that feels both purposeful and personal.

When I first entered rehab, my mind was consumed with thoughts of everything I had left behind—my family, my responsibilities, my entire life outside those walls. I was fixated on how quickly I could get through the process and return to what I thought was normal. But as the weeks passed, I began to understand that true recovery required me to shift my focus inward. I had to learn to be present, to silence the constant worry about the future, and to start working on myself from within. It wasn’t easy, but through mindfulness practices and moments of stillness, I discovered the value of patience.

Each day became a chance to grow, not by racing ahead, but by fully embracing each moment and steadily navigating the challenges, step by step. It wasn’t about rushing to the finish line; it was about showing up consistently and trusting the journey.

One thing I’ve come to realize, both from that time in rehab and from building this sauna, is that slowing down doesn’t mean standing still. It means being intentional, showing up fully, and allowing time to do its part. This approach has not only helped me in constructing this sauna but also in cultivating patience and acceptance in my broader recovery. I’ve learned to honor the stumbles, to give myself grace when I need to go back and redo steps, and to trust that the path forward is strengthened by these moments, not delayed by them.

A Gentle Challenge for Dreamers and Builders

To anyone embarking on a big project—or walking their own path of healing—here’s a gentle reminder: it’s okay to move slowly. It’s okay to pause, to adjust, or even to start over when needed. True progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. There is a Budihst saying that comes to mind “Like a stone dropped into still water, even the smallest step creates ripples that carry forward.”

As I continue my sauna project and navigate my recovery, I’ll keep sharing updates, lessons, and reflections. But I’d love to hear from you, too. Are you working on something that feels deeply meaningful? Have you discovered strength or wisdom in the process of slowing down? Share your stories in the comments—each one is a ripple, spreading guidance and encouragement to others.

Let’s remind each other that beauty is not in the rush, but in the care and presence we bring to what matters most. Here’s to building lasting foundations—in saunas, in dreams, and in life—and trusting that every ripple we create has the power to inspire far beyond what we can see.