VI
EN
There's a saying: "With every step into nature, you'll find more than you're looking for." I completely agree with that. The journey of encountering the pristine beauty of the earth and sky not only leads us to discover countless stories, but also allows us to touch the deepest layers of the soul.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Binh is a man who has spent many years in the forest. For him, the forest is a passion, a source of energy and inspiration that nourishes his love of life. On a spring day, talking about his trips with someone who deeply loves the forest, I feel an urge to embark on a journey into nature, to satisfy my curiosity and reflect on myself as the earth and sky awaken.
For him, the forest is a passion, a source of energy and inspiration that nourishes his love of life.
A journey of discovery
We live in an age of information overload, where everyone is caught up in a frantic race for attention. But there is another world that remains, humble yet full of vibrant stories, hidden behind the forms of ancient trees, moss-covered layers, rocks, streams, and a harmonious ecosystem. There, behind a lizard lies millions of years of evolution, behind every sweet fruit is the diligent labor of bees, and countless other wonders. Nature silently tells its story in this way, for souls attentive enough to listen.
Nature silently tells its story in this way, for souls attentive enough to listen.
In the 21st century, it's easy to open a book or sit on a comfortable sofa and watch a nature documentary. We can learn about how lions hunt or the great migrations of animals halfway around the world. But the feeling of shedding the comforts, seeing with our own eyes, touching with our own hands, and breathing in the cool, earthy air – that makes us realize the world is much larger than the cramped screen. That experience is what remains, intact in each person's memory.
But the feeling of shedding the comforts, seeing with your own eyes, touching with your own hands, and breathing deeply the cool, earthy air – makes you realize the world is much bigger than the cramped screen.
"When he went into the forest, he always looked up at the tall trees and imagined himself up there. To fulfill that wish, he learned rope climbing techniques. The higher he climbed, the more the light and the sky opened up, and when he reached the top, he heard birds singing in the breezy air, with the entire green forest stretching out below – that was a feeling of conquest, an immense happiness."- Mr. Binh said.
In Binh's stories are countless such experiences: admiring a strange plant, tasting fresh honey, using stream water for drinking... Or on a stormy night with thunder and lightning, the water rose to the base of the tents, forcing the whole group to pack up. Then, upon reaching safety, they warmed themselves by fire, shared delicious food, and knew they had just added another memorable experience to their repertoire. If only through films and books, how could one taste the flavors of wild forest vegetables, share a warm cup of water boiled from plant roots with the mountain people, or recount the eerie legends of red dots luring lost souls into the deep, ancient forest?
Perhaps the most fascinating thing about venturing into nature is that you never know exactly what you'll find. There, on each trip, we get to live like children, eagerly tearing open a "blind bag" and rejoicing at the gifts we discover, experiencing a full spectrum of emotions.
Perhaps the most fascinating thing about venturing into nature is that you never know exactly what you'll find.
The journey inside
"Like being reborn" is how Mr. Binh described the feeling of stepping from the city into the forest. The city offers convenience and countless entertainment options, but it can hardly satisfy souls yearning for tranquility. Disconnecting from modern life means disconnecting from the cycle of work, responsibilities, and invisible pressures, returning to the simplest values. Touching bare feet to the cool, dew-soaked grass, gazing at the blue sky, listening to the birds chirping, or encountering the intertwined fragrance of flowers and grasses – suddenly, all the worries of life shrink to the size of a fragile dewdrop.
"In the forest, the air is fresh and unpolluted. A single vegetable, a crab, a handful of rice is enough to fill my stomach and make me happy. Why should I compete and chase after the meaningless pressures that society imposes on me?"- Mr. Binh confided.
At that very moment, connecting with nature is not just about sitting in harmony with the earth and sky, but also about how we awaken and expand our capacity to appreciate beauty. There, the allure of a forest is not limited to what the eyes can see, but can be enjoyed with all the senses. And we realize that this is what makes life rich and worth living.
Unlike traveling to typical destinations, you can't expect modern amenities when you're in nature. According to Mr. Binh, minimizing the amount of belongings you bring and utilizing the resources available from nature is crucial. From carving bamboo and reeds to make cooking utensils; using plants for food and medicine; to finding your way and shelter based on natural signs. It is through these experiences that nature becomes the perfect environment for each person to discover previously unknown aspects of themselves – resilience, perseverance, and courage.
"Since going into the forest, I feel I've become more confident, decisive, and daring, as well as much more gentle and calm. I understand the power of nature over humanity and how much humans need nature."- Mr. Binh shared.
I also believe that nature provides people with the necessary tranquility to look deep within themselves. Its slowness is in stark contrast to the constantly changing world outside. But perhaps only when people stop chasing the fear of missing out, of falling behind, and connect with the pristine beauty of nature, can they truly focus on what matters. Who am I? What do I want? What truly makes me happy? Perhaps the answers await us somewhere, amidst the deep green forests.
Spring Journey
At any time of year, people can turn to nature and be captivated by its beauty. But spring brings a particularly special feeling, because for each person, it marks a new beginning, carrying with it hopes for a new year and a new self.
In the minds of many, spring is associated with vibrant flowers, especially when everyone wants to decorate their homes with plants and flowers during Tet (Lunar New Year). But according to Mr. Binh, when you venture deep into the forests, you will see spring present in a very different way – quiet, slow, subtly revealing itself through small signs that require careful observation to notice. These include greener foliage, a new bud sprouting on a tree trunk, a flower absent all winter suddenly bursting into bloom, or a light drizzle carrying the scent of damp earth.
"If you want to connect more with nature at this time, you can also choose trips to the mountains to best experience the spring atmosphere, especially in areas with many plum and peach trees..." - Mr. Binh said.
When you venture deep into the forests, you'll find that spring is present in a very different way.
Whatever your destination this spring, hopefully, your encounter and connection with nature will bring you memorable experiences, awakening something gentle yet powerful deep within you to begin a new year peacefully and full of vitality.
