Silent Retreat

It is dusk here in Landes Forest, deep in the woodlands of southwest France. Row after row of majestic oak and pine trees stretch up to the night sky. The mosaic of fallen autumn leaves covers the ground below. Just past the tree line, a small river zig zags through the brush following the curve of a well worn dark path. The air here is peaceful and calm. One can easily feel at home in this space. It almost feels as if nature itself is inviting you to stay the night and enjoy the sights and sounds it has to offer. But before we take our place for the evening, let's settle in with a brief wind down exercise. Tonight's exercise is a really simple breathing exercise. So when you're ready, let's begin. So first get yourself comfortable. Now just bringing the attention to the breath. Just noticing where you feel it. In the nose, the throat, the chest, the diaphragm. You are nice and relaxed. We're going to be taking a deep breath in for four, holding it for four, and then breathing out for six. So, are you ready? Let's begin. In for four, two, three, four. Hold it for four, two, three, four. Now breathing out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. Great. Now returning the breath to know more. At the outer banks of the forest, a dirt path runs parallel to a river. Small animal footprints decorate the ground. Perhaps those of the mother doe and her fawns, searching for fallen apples, or tree nuts. The path is otherwise quiet and picturesque, perfect for a nighttime retreat. Among the trees, sounds and worries drift away, replaced by a sense of calm, and communion with nature. The river along the path, ripples with clear water. The sound of the flowing river provides a perfect soundtrack to the scenery. Time seems to stand still here. There is nothing to do, but take in the space around you. Evergreen pine trees line the waters edge. On the ground sits rule of bolete mushrooms. Delicate white stems support their muddy red caps. All of them are a little different, some stouter, some taller. They are an important part of the river's ecosystem, existing in perfect harmony with the water, the animals, and the trees. Even at night, the forest is a feast for the eyes. The moon hangs high above with a silvery glow, illuminating a carpet of orange leaves, that rest atop the forest floor. With winter rapidly approaching, the trees have begun their annual cycle of shedding. Casting aside their autumn foliage, to conserve energy for...