The ‘forest path’ – as with all our ‘sacred spaces’ – invites the traveler into the awareness of contemplative mystery.  Firstly, one sees the path’s beginning point and naturally asks, ‘where will you take me?’ as the very entrance suggests a type of portal to go through, and further, a mystery to be engaged.  And so, the tone is set.  Upon entering the forest, we hardly notice a certain transition happening.  Our feet say goodbye to the hard impenetrability of the parking lot surface, so familiar, only to discover the soft, receptive, wooded surface underfoot.  Where we end and the earth begins is obscure here and vaguely, a part of us realizes a merging of some sort is under way.  Indeed, ‘this is different than where I’ve been’ a voice within might give protest.  A few strides in and you become enveloped by smells, shadows, sounds and creatures – you are in the woods, and the air is different – just like that!  Simultaneously the trail disappears around an ancient ‘old soul’ copper beech (the first of many such guardians of these woods evoking still more mystery) where a different kind of GPS is required to find your way.  Upon passing let your fingers slowly run over its bark – it won’t mind, in fact, we’re told this giant prefers to be touched.