In the month in which we celebrate the founding of Schoenstatt, Father Joseph Kentenich invites us to “dig deeper,” to descend into the depths of our being to find the inner Shrine. In Japan, there is an ancient tradition called Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), which teaches us to immerse ourselves in nature with all our senses.

The challenge of the forest: a mirror for the soul

The idea of Shinrin-yoku is to take a walk as if it were a sensory immersion to absorb the atmosphere of the forest, garden, or park. The benefits are proven: stress reduction, strengthening of the immune system, and improved mood. But for a Schoenstatter, there is an even deeper dimension: nature as a teacher of the Covenant of Love.

When we contemplate the forest, we are challenged to:

Stop and contemplate: Nature forces us to slow down. This responds to the central requirement of our Covenant: self-education and a life of fervent prayer. We need “green breaks” to hear God’s voice.

We must be organic (comply with the law of nature): just as nature is a living organism in which everything is connected (the tree with the soil, the moss with the shade), our spirituality is also organic and integrates nature and grace, the natural and the supernatural. Our life cannot be fragmented; the shrine and the world must be in harmony.

Go deeper (into the roots): a tree is strong because it has deep, hidden roots. The month of the foundation invites us to do the same. Father Kentenich taught us: “It seems as if there were angels among us saying to us: ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground’ (Ex 3:5). Just as the tree withstands the storm, deepening our spiritual life is the condition for being ‘fit instruments’ in Mary’s hands. It is our hidden capital of grace, but it sustains our entire mission and our journey.

Why is it important to live “in nature in every sense”?

Nature is the first revelation of God. It helps us to reestablish essential bonds: with our body, with creation, and ultimately with the Creator.

By sealing the Covenant of Love, we say, “Nothing without you, nothing without us.” Nature can only bear fruit if we also do our part. Nature is our classroom: it teaches us fidelity, silent growth, and the beauty of Divine Providence.

In this month when we celebrate the value of our founding, may we find in the stillness of nature the strength to deepen and live our covenant with the fullness and freedom of a growing forest.

Call to action

Set aside 20 minutes: turn off your cell phone and spend some time in the nearest park or garden. Use this time for contemplative prayer, seeing in the life of nature a reflection of God’s love.

Ask yourself: What “roots” in my life (habits of prayer, self-education, connection with the Shrine) do I need to strengthen so that my Inner Shrine can become a more fruitful source of life?

Do you want to be part of the change?

Suppose you feel called to contribute to a sustainable vision in the world, in the light of Schoenstatt spirituality. In that case, the Global Sustainability Project may be an opportunity to move in that direction.

Contact: WhatsApp +34 604 94 52 86 – Rosana Silva – Schoenstatt Women’s Institute, Madrid, Spain.

Translation: Sr. M. Lourdes Macías