Repeat after me: I receive Life’s really good, really surprising invitation today.
The Hallerbos Forest floor is covered with the magical carpet of bluebells (April 12, 2024).
Listen to the “Forest Bathing in the Hallerbos” podcast episode and audio meditation.
An Invitation to Forest Bathing
I’ve read articles on Forest Bathing.
I’ve heard great things about Forest Bathing.
But, a week ago today, I experienced it firsthand.
It wasn’t on the itinerary for our week's stay in Belgium, but God decided to surprise us with something quite extraordinary via my son-in-law, Jose.
“In Japan, we practice something called forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means ‘forest,’ and yoku means ‘bath.’ So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere or taking in the forest through our senses. This is not exercise, or hiking, or jogging. It is simply in nature, connecting with it through our senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Shinrin-yoku is like a bridge. By opening our senses,
it bridges the gap between us and the natural world.”
-Dr. Qing Li is the author of Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness.
Making the Effort
“Rent a car, pack a picnic, and head to the Hallerbos,” Jose told Candace.
In theory, it sounded so easy.
Yet, it wasn’t, especially for sweet Candace, who had to go to the Regional Airport, towing her four-month-old, Eva Grace, in her carrier, to secure the rental car.
Then, we had to bring car seats, a stroller, and all the necessary paraphernalia to care for two children under two.
It was reminiscent of “days gone by” when Rob and I took our littles on a field trip.
We were all in.
Nothing stopped the Rardon women from seeing the bluebells on this Friday in April.
Move Through the Mud
The adventure started on a very muddy path.
“I’m not quite sure this is the right path,” Candace said.
“Well, I’m of no use,” I smiled. “I’ll just push the stroller.”
Just about the time when frustration became anxiety, God sent us an angel named Jeff.
“Can we ask you a question, sir?”
We then sought wisdom about our whereabouts, and he kindly said, “This is the horse path, but keep moving through the mud, and you will get to the right path…the smooth path that leads to the grand display of bluebells.”
We took a collective breath and pressed on.
Bask in the Beauty of Bluebells and Beech Trees
Boy, am I glad we did.
After walking a bit further, we came upon the magical, mystical expanse of bluebells and beech trees that we had heard the tales of.
I stood in awe.
I am reminded not only of the bluebells and beech trees but also of the grander blessings of my two daughters and two granddaughters.
God, thank you for these four blessings before me.
Watching Elena Rose run free and wild through the woods, seeing Candace and Brooke in their element as sisters and photographers—sharing their passion—and seeing Eva Grace’s luminescent smile and engaging personality sent me into a quiet, tranquil state of deep gratitude.
Heartlifter, this is the reward of moving through life's deeply rutted, muddy places.
Please, keep moving through the mud.
The blessing of a bluebell carpet awaits.
Bathing in Goodness
You know I can’t help myself.
When it comes to words, I have to know the words inside the words.
Take bask1, for example:
Bask (verb) means “to lie or sit enjoying the warmth, especially of the sun.” Vocabulary.com defines it this way: “To bask in something is to take it in, receive its warmth,
or bathe in its goodness.”
Other definitions add the word “atmosphere,” which, of course, I was enthralled to see as one of the tenets of my work: to offer any resources that help HOME and FAMILY become the safest, most secure “atmosphere” for raising healthy humans.
Home is a sacred place for each member to bathe in goodness.
What Forest Bathing in the Hallerbos Taught Me
I’m a teacher through and through.
I try to “bask” and take in the beauty, but again, I can’t help myself.
Life lessons always call out.
Here are seven I gathered in the deep, sacred Hallerbos:
Life is all about timing: Kairos and Chronos (read more in my book, “Stronger Every Day”). For the bluebells to burst their beauty into the Hallerbos, the soil has to be at the exact warm temperature, and the Beech trees have to cooperate by not bursting forth their leafy coverage. This perfect range lasts only a couple of weeks. We just “happened” to make it there at the right time.
Life is about awareness: Waking up with open hands and heart. What do you have for me today, God? Help me notice the invitations all around me.
Life is about sticking to your path—not someone else's path.
Jeremiah 6:16 is one of my life scriptures. It reads, “Thus says the Lord,“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
And you will find rest for your souls.2
Life is about a “conscious connection” to the world around you. So often, we go through the motions and sleepwalk through our days. How can we awaken to a more conscientious way of being?
Life is about breathing deeply. We live in the shallows when invitations to deep living await us. Let’s remember to exhale longer than we inhale. This sends a “psychological message to your body, ‘I am safe. I can relax. It’s ok.’”
Life is about finding spaces, places, and faces that resonate deeply. When you find them, dwell. Sit for a spell. Feast on the faces before you. Delight in the moments.
Life is meant for living. Spending time in Nature or following Lessons 1 - 6 puts everything in perspective. These practices alter our perception, and as we know, perception is everything.
This Week’s Podcast Prompt
Q: Have you happened upon your very own Hallerbos this week? We don’t have to travel to far-off places to find spaces and faces that offer refuge or joy. Please share yours with us today.
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/bask
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Paths
Mom, I will always remember our first adventure in Hallerbos together this spring. Thank you for capturing the beauty and wonder of that day so perfectly — and even more, the lessons it held for us all 🩵💙💜