... from the Forest

I watch her from afar, trailing through the undergrowth; a sturdy stick in her right hand, four-legged companion by her side, the faint squeals of delight as their feet crunch through fresh snow. She jumps over fallen trees with ease, picks her way through prickles and negotiates ditches with determination. Every so often she looks up at me and gives me that look. You know, that look that says:

‘I am an independent explorer now Mum – just you see.’

And I do see, and a million thoughts dance through my mind.

I feel immensely proud as my fiery and fearless four-year-old pushes her way onwards, negotiating obstacles as she goes. I admire her self-belief, the way that she sucks her cheeks in and reluctantly allows her lips to break into a thin self-assured smile when she knows I am watching. 

But mostly I am struck by her ease within this forest.

There is nothing for her to match up to here, to desire, long for, feel shy in front of or protest about. There is no whining, complaining or boredom. Instead I see just one small girl delighting in her connection with the earth.

Someone asked me recently why I felt nature was so good for a child … as I watch my daughter I realise that it is the utter completeness of her as a person when she is free to be in nature’s embrace, and my confidence in these seemingly innocent times of play going on to form who she will become as an adult.

I gain comfort from the forest – that no matter where life takes her, no matter the rebellion, angst and confusion – here is where her heart will always remain free.


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