The rain that day was more than just water falling from the sky—it was a gift, soaking through my clothes and into my soul. It washed away the weight of the old year, renewing me and preparing me for what’s to come. But the true magic wasn’t just in the rain or the unseasonably warm winter air; it was in the circle of friends who walked beside me, each of them a part of this extraordinary moment.
A Circle of Blessings
Some of these friends were familiar faces, people whose companionship had been with me for a time. Others were new and met for the first time that very day. Yet, as we stepped into the forest together, surrounded by the earthy scent of rain-soaked moss and wood, it felt like we’d been walking this path side by side forever.
Our group came together through Oakhenge—a community that has a way of weaving lives together in the most meaningful and unexpected ways. That day, it felt like more than chance; it was as if the forest itself had drawn us together for this shared experience.
The Magic of the Forest
The forest in the rain is unlike anything else. The air was thick with the scent of life—damp earth, pine needles, and the sweet musk of moss awakened by the rain. The sounds were gentle and soothing: the rhythmic tap of rain on leaves, the quiet squelch of our boots on the softened ground.
Walking there, I felt completely present, alive to the moment, and deeply connected—to the Earth, to the friends around me, and to myself. The rain, far from being uncomfortable, was invigorating. It washed away more than the dust of the day; it cleansed my spirit, leaving me lighter and clearer.
Bliss Found Together
There was a quiet joy in walking through the rain with this circle of kindred spirits. We laughed, we reflected, and we moved as one, even though our journeys to this point had been so different. The warmth of their presence blended with the chill of the rain, creating a harmony that felt like a blessing.
It was a reminder of how essential community is—a circle of love and support that grows and evolves with every step. I am so deeply grateful for the friends who have walked many paths with me and for the new faces who have already become part of my story.
A Sacred Renewal
As the rain renewed the Earth, it renewed all of us. That walk wasn’t just a journey through the forest; it was a journey inward, a chance to release what no longer served us and step into the new year with clarity and purpose.
The forest, the rain, and the company of friends reminded me of life’s profound beauty and the power of shared moments to transform us.
To my beautiful circle of friends—both old and new: thank you for walking with me through this rain and into the new year. Here’s to many more shared journeys. 🌧️🌲💖
When was the last time nature and community left you feeling renewed?