The First Lantern

       Hello, my friend...

 

       You found the first lantern.

       Not everything beautiful asks to be discovered all at once. Sometimes the light simply waits... until someone needs it.

       Welcome to Shinrin-yoku.

       Take a slow breath. 

       The forest has been expecting you.

       There is nothing you need to prove here.
        Nothing you need to accomplish.
        No one you need to impress.

        Just for these few moments, allow yourself to arrive.

        Listen carefully.

        Can you hear the birds singing in the distance?

        Feel the gentle breeze moving through the trees.

        Notice the warm glow of the lantern before you.

        One lantern cannot light the whole forest.

        But it can light the next step.

        And sometimes...

        The next step is all we need.

        If your heart has been carrying more than it was meant to carry...

        set it down here for a little while.

        You are welcome here.

        You belong here.

        When you're ready...

         follow the light.

         There are more lanterns waiting for you.

         Always remember...

         One Lantern lights another.