In a dark Bodø cellar the thoughts came:

– I don’t think I’ve ever felt such pressure as I did when I was in Bodø/Glimt, says Alexander Sørloth.

He has played in some of the world’s toughest leagues and clubs.

Premier League. Leipzig in Germany. Madness in Turkey.

Not to mention Diego Simeone who coaches Atletico Madrid – a club that is fighting for the biggest titles in the world.

Alexander Sørloth has experienced most of it.

But he never forgets the drive to Bodø before the 2015 season.

FATHER AND SON: Alexander Sørloth will never forget the drive he had with dad Gøran to Bodø. Photo: Vegard Grøtt / BILDBYRÅN

The father drove, he himself was a passenger and slept most of the trip.

– I was inexperienced, immature and was going to move on my own for the first time, says Sørloth about the loan from Rosenborg to Glimt.

In many ways, the loan kick-started his career.

But in the first months, everything turned out to be different from what he had imagined.

– In Bodø I learned that even if you are in a deep, deep valley, you will always know in tough times that better times are coming. It has helped me immensely, says Sørloth.

Because as Alexander Sørloth has experienced many times before: Football consists of deep valleys and high peaks.

– Now or never

Now the power forward lives his life in spades in Spain.

Trønder plays havoc and starts almost all fights. He has scored in three league games in a row and is nominated for player of the month in LaLiga.

Against Mallorca on Sunday, he was voted best on the pitch.

THE FAMILY IN THE STANDS: The entire Sørloth family was together for the first time on Sunday when dad scored the 1-0 goal against Mallorca. Photo: Violeta Santos Moura / Reuters / NTB

– It was the first time Jonathan and Emma were together at a match, so then the “farsjan” had to deliver, he says.

In January, he became a father for the second time when little Jonathan was born. From before, he and his girlfriend Lena have a daughter Emma.

– Self-confidence, Sørloth usually answers when he is asked about the most important reason for his success.

The confidence was probably in place when he and dad Gøran set off in the direction of Bodø by car one winter’s day around the turn of the year 2014/2015.

LOVES LIFE: Alexander Sørloth has always been crystal clear that he wants to succeed in Madrid. Here in a team with friends Marius Lundemo and Anders Trondsen. Photo: Private

Alexander came from the great Rosenborg, and realized that he was behind Alexander Søderlund in the battle for a forward spot.

Although he was only 19 years old, he felt that he was having a bad time.

– There and then it felt like it was now or never. It was now that I was going to establish myself as a professional footballer. I was supposed to do so well that I got a good contract afterwards. I moved out and bet. It was like the whole package, says Alexander Sørloth about the pressure he felt and the fear of not succeeding.

Dark basement

But life in Bodø was no bed of roses to begin with.

Alexander Sørloth ended up on the bench – and stayed there.

– It was a deep, deep valley in the first months, says the 30-year-old.

He’s unlikely to forget it anytime soon.

– I lived in such a plinth-basement apartment, with only one escape window. And it is quite dark in Bodø from January to May. So it was dark, dark and freezing cold. And then I played nothing, he says.

The table position was nothing to brag about either.

– I sat on the bench for a team that was in the relegation zone. Then you don’t feel good, that is, says Sørloth.

– When you don’t even get to play, you think you’re an ass, says the Trønder.

19 years old and on loan from Rosenborg, bench life was status for a long time.

– I thought for a while that I had to get away, and there was talk of going to the 1st division on loan. But then I had the breakthrough, says Sørloth.

Scored four – was annoyed

History has shown time and time again that Alexander Sørloth always hits back hard.

The first time he showed it was the summer of 2015.

First he scored against Stabæk.

FIRST GOAL: Alexander Sørloth scored the first goal in the 3-2 victory at Nadderud. Photo: Vegard Wivestad Grøtt / NTB

Then he scored against Vålerenga, when Glimt turned around and won 2-1 away from home in June.

And then – after the summer holidays – it really hit.

Against Start, Alexander Sørloth scored four goals.

NOT SATISFIED: Alexander Sørloth scored four goals against Start, but the feeling he was left with describes a bit of the type. Photo: Mats Torbergsen / NTB

But he still remembers the feeling he had after the match.

– I remember thinking “damn, I should have scored five” because I missed a chance. It’s a hunger I’ve had with me since I was very young, and I think I have my dad to thank for. The mentality he has taught me since I was little is that I should always be hungry, says Sørloth.

The achievements of Sørloth that autumn meant that he was sold to Groningen.

– The period in Glimt has been absolutely decisive for my career. It was there that I broke through and made a name for myself. That’s where it all started, says the Atletico Madrid star.

– Has helped an incredible amount

In retrospect, he believes the experience in Bodø was worth its weight in gold.

– I made great strides, not only on the pitch, but in everything from sleep to cooking and everything together, says Sørloth.

He made it simple. Extremely simple.

– Breakfast was the same every day. Two slices of bread with butter and ham, and two eggs. That was what I could do, so it became like that every day, he says, laughing at his own routines.

He also met his girlfriend Lena in Bodø.

Together they have experienced huge ups and downs together.

Strictly speaking, everything started in Bodø.

– It is one hundred percent certain that it has helped me that I had a bit of a tough start in Bodø, says Alexander Sørloth.

OFFENSIVE: Alexander Sørloth feels confident that Bodø/Glimt will be beaten on their own turf in Madrid. Photo: Sorosh Sadat / TV 2

Now he lives the dream life in Madrid, as a father of two and as one of the most feared strikers in the world.

On Wednesday, Glimt is on the opposite half of the court.

– I’m really looking forward to it. And then I’m glad that we won’t meet them at Aspmyra, because there they are so well drilled. But artificial grass is something else. I think they will find it tough on us on grass here in Madrid, says Alexander Sørloth.

How does isolation in a dark Bodø cellar influence creativity and psychological well-being?

In a Dark Bodø Cellar the Thoughts Came: Exploring the Psychology of Isolation and Creativity

The stark landscapes of Northern Norway, particularly around Bodø, have long been associated with a unique brand of introspection. The long polar nights, the dramatic weather, and the relative isolation foster an habitat where the internal world takes precedence. But what happens when that internal world is confined – literally – to a dark cellar? This article delves into the psychological impact of such environments, exploring how limited sensory input can trigger profound thought processes, and examining ancient and contemporary examples of creativity born from seclusion.

The Bodø Context: Geography and Mental State

Bodø, situated just north of the Arctic Circle, experiences extended periods of darkness during the winter months. This isn’t simply a lack of light; it’s a shift in the entire sensory experience.the reduced daylight impacts circadian rhythms, perhaps leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in susceptible individuals.Though, for others, this darkness can be a catalyst.

* Reduced External Stimulation: The lack of visual cues forces a turning inward. The brain, deprived of constant external input, begins to generate its own.

* Heightened Sensory Awareness: Other senses – hearing, smell, touch – become amplified. A dripping tap, the creak of floorboards, the scent of damp earth can all take on disproportionate significance.

* Historical Isolation: Historically, communities in Northern Norway were more isolated than many others. This fostered a culture of self-reliance and internal reflection.

The Psychology of Cellar Spaces

Cellars, by their very nature, are spaces of confinement. They evoke primal feelings of security and vulnerability concurrently. the darkness, the dampness, the sense of being underground – all contribute to a unique psychological atmosphere.

* Symbolism of the Subconscious: Psychologically, cellars often represent the subconscious mind – a hidden, often unexplored realm. Descending into a cellar can be seen as a symbolic journey inward.

* sensory Deprivation Effects: Even a relatively mild form of sensory deprivation,like that experienced in a dimly lit cellar,can lead to altered states of consciousness,increased suggestibility,and vivid imagery.

* The Power of Suggestion: The association of cellars with storage, secrets, and even imprisonment can prime the mind for certain types of thought – anxieties, memories, creative ideas.

Case Study: Knut hamsun and Northern norwegian Literature

norwegian author Knut Hamsun, a Nobel laureate, frequently depicted the psychological landscapes of Northern Norway in his works.While not specifically writing in a cellar, his characters often grapple with isolation, existential angst, and the harsh realities of life in the region. His novels, like Hunger and Mysteries, demonstrate a deep understanding of the internal struggles that can arise from prolonged solitude and challenging environments. Hamsun’s work provides a literary lens through which to examine the potential impact of a place like a dark bodø cellar on the human psyche.

creativity and Constraint: The Unexpected Link

It might seem counterintuitive, but constraint can actually boost creativity. When external options are limited, the brain is forced to explore internal possibilities.

1. Forced Focus: A confined space and limited stimulation can eliminate distractions, allowing for deeper concentration.
2. Novel Associations: The unusual sensory experience can trigger unexpected connections between ideas.
3. Introspection and Self-Revelation: solitude provides the opportunity for honest self-reflection, which can be a powerful source of inspiration.

Consider the example of artists who have deliberately sought out periods of isolation to fuel their work. Agatha Christie famously retreated to remote locations to write her novels, finding that the solitude helped her to focus and develop her plots.

Practical Applications: Harnessing the Power of Isolation (Responsibly)

While deliberately seeking out a dark cellar might not be for everyone, the principles behind its potential benefits can be applied in more accessible ways.

* Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness in a quiet, dimly lit space can help to calm the mind and enhance self-awareness.

* Digital Detox: Disconnecting from technology and spending time in nature (even during the darker months) can reduce external stimulation and promote introspection.

* Dedicated Creative Space: creating a designated workspace that is free from distractions can foster a sense of focus and encourage creative flow.

* Journaling: Regularly writing down thoughts and feelings can be a powerful way to process emotions and explore the subconscious.

It’s crucial to emphasize that prolonged isolation can be detrimental to mental health. If you are struggling with feelings of loneliness,anxiety,or depression,please reach out for help. Resources are available, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The potential benefits of introspection should be balanced with the need for social connection and mental well-being.