When I went to France last Summer in August, one of the items on our itinerary was hiking in the St. Maximim forest which is near the Sainte-Baume mountains (a basilica dedicated to Mary Magdalene is there). Our task was to commune with nature on our own and share our experience with the group afterwards.
Although it was hot and humid, I was happy I brought along a hooded sweater to cover myself from being bit from insects. Oh boy, were they swarming around.
One by one, we each went off the beaten path alone. As I was trekking through the ancient trees and worn away stones I found an old tree lying on the ground, with its rugged bark that perhaps bore witness to years of solitude, joy, and pain of our beautiful planet. Brushing away cold earth and leaves from the tree, I sat on it. My hands felt the rough and coarse bark, like the thick lines and wrinkles of father time.
Each tree was majestic in size, each taller and grander than the next, reaching towards the sky. I smelled the moisture in the air. I heard the leaves crackling under my feet. I made sure I didn’t disturb the earth much, since many crawling insects, centipedes, ants, worms, etc. were around and I felt I was intruding on their turf.
As I looked around, I let out a huge sigh. I felt at peace surrounded by large trees, shrubs and wood plants, boulders, different species of insects and butterflies, all of which they call home. Light danced off the rocks.
With my eyes closed, I listened to the beautiful symphony of the forest creatures, the birds singing their tunes. I smelled the natural scent of the earth beneath me. I embraced the moment and felt my senses expand. The suns’ rays were on my face; feeling it’s warmth I smiled wide.
I felt small in comparison to all that was around. All of nature was much alive and felt they were communicating.
Before I headed out to meet the others for lunch, I stopped at the entrance/exit and snapped a selfie (without my hooded sweater 🙂 ). I was humbled by the experience.
Wonderful! Your connection to the land is so clear! 💗
Thank you 🙏. It was breathtaking
A great post, thank you for sharing your journey.
Thank you for being here.
Wow Such a great post
Thank you!! 😊
Awesome blog post! France sounds so peaceful and tranquil. You described it so vividly and it looks like you got good weather as well. 🙂
The weather was magnificent. The village we were staying at was quaint with its local charm and mountainous.
So picturesque! 🇳🇱 I want to be there. The French locals are well known for their character, wit and charm. As I’m writing this comment, I’m standing at a cold train station near Edinburgh. It’s freezing! 💦But I’m thinking about your brilliant blog post dreaming about warmer French weather. 🌞
😆 It’s cold here too. Be well.
Trees are amazing, huh? I still think it’s amazing how you tell the age of a tree by its rings! 🙂
They surely are. Trees are vital to this 🌎 world.
Yes, they are. 🙂
A beautiful place. It reminds me of a place I lived in called ville de lance in grenoble…breathtaking
This sounds calming! And look at you and your beautiful face <3
🥰🧡❤️💙💚
This was great and so true in how small we all are. So many of us are busy in our own worlds that we forget to stop and see what is actually happening around us. You did just that. I would love to go to France someday and do what you just did. So jealous. 🙂
Maybe one day! But then again it can be done anywhere in the states. We have a couple of beautiful natural forests here too!!
You transported me with your words. Sounds so peaceful. xx
It surely was. This is something you would’ve loved to do.
What a profound experience. So glad you could experience this. Hugs
You would’ve loved it.
I have no doubt. 💙
This is beautiful, Bernice! It sounds like a profound experience for you.
Nature is such an opening to peace, isn’t it? How did you like the Basilica of Mother Mary?
Blessings to you. Happy Sunday! 🙂
Debbie
Hi Debbie. Happy Sunday!! The church was beautiful and the architecture was amazing however seeing the relics of Mary Magdalene encased behind a glass – her skull was dark and marble like – it threw me off. I didn’t know what to expect though. I didn’t stay in the small room long.
Oh my gosh, yes I can understand that Bernice!!
You know, I was going through my coaching files, and I came across notes from our session together. You are amazing. Know, I’m so supporting you on your heart-felt intentions and goals for yourself. 🙂
Blessings and loving to you,
Debbie
It’s the adventure I’ve been longing for during these cold winter months in the far north. Nothing beats nature, what a soul-comforting trip, Bernice! You look great on the photo. 😊🌸
🥰 Thanks Isabelle.
Looks amazing, I love the solitude of nature x
It simply is divine. 😊🧡☘️
❤️
Sounds enchanting! 🙂
It was an experience to keep in my memory bank. 🙂
That was time well-spent in nature. You were in a “zone”.
Take care. See ya!
Neil Scheinin
Wonderful way of describing it! I was in the zone for a few hours; and it didn’t feel that long. 🙂
We can enter the zone anytime we wish by closing our eyes and listening; just as you said! You’ve brought me a step closer to understanding how yesterday Bernice, thank you! Le grà, Marie xx
Pleasure was all mine Marie!! ❤️💙💚🧡
Awesome pics 💖😍
Glad you liked them! xo
❤️💕👍😍
It looks amazing. You look peaceful happy and healthy. Walking in nature anywhere is so calming but I bet it was really special there.
It was special. Aside from the forest, as a group, we visited the basilica of Saint-Maximin which houses the relics of Mary Magdalene. So many people from around the world were there. Profound.
Amazing experience, gorgeous photos, peaceful place… My kind of thing! This has my name writing all over it!👌💖😉
It surely does! Anyone who enters comes out slightly changed. 🙂
Definitely!😉
Great and looks like u had a beautiful time. Great post and trees r our lifeline
Thank you Kamal. I’ve learned so much about trees and how they communicate with each other. It was eye-opening for me.
Yes they sure do u know everyone on this planet tells us something so valuable and all r part and parcel of this world. Welcome dear.
Sounds like a wonderful experience.
It surely was wonderful Becky. xo