A Walk In The Forest

 Photo reproduced by kind permission of Elke Weyrauch

“It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.”

- Robert Louis Stevenson 

My German friend sent me this beautiful photo via Whatsapp, and I marvelled at how the Internet enables us to see instantly what is going on in another part of the world. 

When I saw it, immediately the tune 'Walk In The Black Forest' ('Eine Schwarzwaldfahrt') came to mind. Written and performed by Horst Jankowski, it was a hit in 1965 when I was ten years old. I wondder if Ellie was huming it as she walked through the German forest with her friend?

Last week, at the COP 26 summit, world leaders promised to end deforestation by 2030. Click here to find out more. I wouldn't blame you for being a touch sceptical, but we have to remain optimistic. 

Forests and woods remind us of our connectedness.

 “Every forest branch moves differently in the breeze, but as they sway they connect at the roots.” - Rumi

Click here for some more inspirational forest quotes.

Writing Prompts:

• If you can, take your notebook and pen and go into a wood or forest this week, or at least to a place where you are among trees. Pause, be still and quiet for a couple of minutes and listen, then sit down and write. Let the words flow. 
• Do you believe the promises that are being made at COP 26? If you had the power, what would you do to tackle climate change? Write about it.
•  When your 'spirit' is 'weary' what do you do to 'change and renew' it? (See Stevenson's quote above). Make a list. 

Please feel free to click 'no comments' below to add a comment or share your writing. Thank you.