I decided to go for a spontaneous walk in the forest, because I felt overwhelmed by the emails I had to answer and the admin that I had to do. And I could not think, because my head ached so much.
Me in the forest
I decided to only take my camera and my new summer hat along. And since I longed for a good foot massage, I went barefoot. I love that there are almost no thorns in the area where I live now. Back in Namibia there are so many, small ones which we call ‘dubbeltjies’ and large thorns, for instance from the Camelthorn trees. Going into the bush without shoes would be hell.
The forest ground welcomes you with soft moss. What a delight. Yet there are also broken off branches and pinecones, which can be quite painful when stepped on.
I found that walking barefoot in the forest made me walk slower and take every step with more consciousness. Not only did I get a foot massage, but I was also enjoying the sensations of the different textures beneath my feet. The feeling of being supported by a soft, green carpet made me feel connected and happy.
I found peace, trees and ferns in the forest.
I know, you will think that is nothing special. But it is. On a hectic day, peace is really special. And trees and ferns are too. Especially once you decide to see them, and then be grateful for their presence. They also make wonderful playmates and soul soothers.
Tree with line of fern leaves
Together we played a silly game and had a good time. We placed small parts of the fern leaves into the bark of a tree to form a line. And yes, just so that you know, I do ask permission and say my gratitude for the donation of the leaves from the fern. Here you can see what we have done.
Detail: Tree with line of fern leaves
Scrolling up and down the green line on the bark of the tree (the line is about 2m long )
I even made a small video.
Then I found 4 young birch trees, which have been driven over by the forestry vehicle. They were still holding on to their roots and growing, but they were lying flat across the earth, instead of growing upwards. I pulled them up and secured them with each other so that they can grow upwards again. I believe that were grateful and will soon go back to see how they are doing.
Lastly, I found a dirty puddle of water and the awesome orange peels of bark lying around.
This gave the impulse to one last game I played. I carefully arranged the bark in a long line on the water, taking care that they do not sink in. Suddenly the puddle looked much happier.
Detail view of the Bark Line
Bark Line in puddle of water
When I finished with this, I could even save a beautiful butterfly from drowning in a dirty puddle.
See the video to get to know my unexpected co-creator:
So, two hours later I got home and felt much better.
I hope that you too have the chance to slip out into nature, every now and then, to get grounded and recharge your batteries.
Imke Rust 
A walk, even if not in such a lovely place like your forest, will give me something else to think about – its is usually very good therapy! Hope it is also good for the birch trees!
Yes Celia, a walk is so good on many levels. Unfortunately I often forget and think I need to work instead of taking time off, even though I know that is stupid. I also hope that it was good for the young birch trees, I will soon go and check on them again.
P.S.: Would love to find out if those young birch trees do start growing upright now after your help!
I had no time to go check them again, but I will let you know as soon as I do. And I hope that they are still upright 🙂
I bet that tree was swaying with a little more swagger in the breeze wearing such beautiful green adornment. Probably even made the other trees jealous 😉
Sadly, no forest close to me but there are a few parks that come close. I go for walks regularly, even when the weather isn’t the best, because without a recharge from nature I truly become very unhappy. I was even lucky enough yesterday to find a few wild raspberries left on the bush!
Also, love the hat. I need a good summer hat. I’m still looking.
I do wonder if trees can get jealous? Maybe they just all celebrate together… guess that is how I would love things to be.
I need to remind myself to go for walks, even though I know they are good for me. But here it helps that we are surrounded in such close distance by wonderful nature
Wow, isn’t it amazing when you find wild fruits or berries – that is something that makes me feel like it is Christmas.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Nice hat and lovely colourful lines 🙂
Thank you Daniel (I am so sorry, I have no clue as how I get the two dots on top of the e in your name). I did not wear a proper hat for such a long time, so I am chuffed that I found this one. And sometimes we just need to draw a line 😉 somewhere, somehow. And I will hop over to your blog now, to read the latest one – its always such a treat for me. Your writing is awesome, your stories are inspiring, fun and interesting en ek geniet die uitsteekende afrikaanse taal. Dankie!
I am on a Mac and just reently learned to add the ümlaut by clicking alt+u and then the letter that needs the doitjies 🙂
Daniël – Wow, that is awesome! Thank you for sharing, now I too know how to get it right!
Wonderful! This is the best thing I’ve read all week, anywhere, in any medium!
Thank you so much – what a compliment! I am so happy when I hear my blogs and art do inspire and uplift people!
Beautiful lovely nature! Well spotted!
Thank you! Well, it is just the ‘ordinary’ enhanced and celebrated with some creative touches.:)