My first week here has gone by in a flash. Perhaps because summer is always like that, or perhaps it was my fuzziness and lack of focus most of the week due to some lingering vertigo. Either way, it went by quickly with dinners and lunches with friends, sunshine, bike rides and excellent food and wine. Even through the haze in my mind, I could tell I was getting some much-needed healing.
There is a lot of discussion about the importance of nature in our lives, and in spending time outside. I am an outside person, through and through. If I could be outside all day, I would. Of course, I prefer this when it’s at least +30C and sunny, then it’s almost impossible to get me back inside. Here the weather generally cooperates perfectly well, thank goodness.
But I’ve also realized how much I like silence, the sound of birds, cicadas and the wind through the trees. These are sounds you can only hear when you are somewhere remote. Here in the Dentelles de Montmirail we are lucky to have a great deal of nature. Lots of forest and hiking trails, but even the surrounding area is a landscape full of green. I realize vines are not naturally occurring, but it’s still green and alive. They are still plants surrounding us, and they give us oxygen. I do believe this kind or surrounding makes us healthier in our bodies and minds. It’s calming and provides respite. I am certain it heals me of so many things.
When I first came here over 10 years ago after spending most of my time in the Bouches-du-Rhône, I found it quite isolated in comparison. In the beginning, I was a bit nervous about not being close to other homes and villages. Now I have come to wish for it all year long. Being in a place where the weather allows you to be outside comfortably more often than not, in a place where you can sometimes hear nothing at all is definitely a necessity for me to be well. And soundless, dark nights of sleep are so rare, I make sure to appreciate each and every night I get to enjoy one.
I feel so lucky to know this place and get to be here every year. Even though it took a little longer this year, I am beginning to see the healing properties of this place take root once again. À votre santé!
