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Nature whispers – in our Online Magazine
The forest seems faceless. An endless sea of trees, following the way straight up, growing skywards. A labyrinth of green and brown to which Katrin, the herb sorceress, gives a face, a character, a facial expression. The sun, dancing through the canopy of leaves, creates dappling effects; a frown appears as the wind gusts through the branches. The wrinkles, as structures in the tree bark, each tell a story. The forest comes alive: it is full of expression and emotion, it breathes and it lives – just as we do.
“Here is my secret, a very simple secret: it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
- The Little Prince
Wild thyme, lady’s mantle, nettles; coltsfoot, red clover, broadleaf plantain. Plants that once grew inconspicuously by the wayside are transformed into precious herbs and given names and meanings. Some open the airways, while others harbour a secret elixir of beauty. Some act like natural plasters, while the strands of others will soothe earache. It is the ancient knowledge of herbs that was constantly passed down between the generations by the family elders. But, between then and now, this old knowledge became lost. A journey back to the roots, a dialogue between the scent of the meadows and the mysticism of the Schlern massif.
Katrin can do many things; everything she does exercises a deep fascination over her and arouses her curiosity. And it is this curiosity that also holds everything together in nature. Katrin, originally from Brixen and now known as the herb sorceress, introduces guests at Bad Ratzes to the secrets of nature and allows them to experience its wonders up close.
“Bad Ratzes is a wonderful example of a place that shows how valuable and calming nature can be. The hotel stands on a lovely meadow, surrounded by fragrant herbs and a clear-running stream. The Schlern rises majestically, a protective massif, with tall spruce trees all around. Here, nature is appreciated as a sustainable resource and as a source of peace and inspiration. In places like this we can learn to reconnect with nature and overcome our worries.”
Aa an educator on themes of the wilderness, Katrin uses the well-known coyote teaching method: instead of imparting knowledge directly, this approach applies an experience-based method. In simple terms, it uses stories, hands-on and interactive learning to establish the connection to nature.
“Most people are afraid of nature or have a poor understanding of it. Each plant tells its own story and has its own use, whether as a remedy, a food or as part of a larger ecological balance. By embracing this knowledge, we can deepen our appreciation of nature and learn to live in harmony with it.”
What can we do when it rains? How can you build your own shelter? How do you light a fire using only natural resources? How can you find drinking water? How do you orientate yourself in the open air? What sounds like survival training in fact goes deeper. It is not just skills that you learn: you also connect with nature. Singing together in the forest, dancing together, standing around a fire in winter and holding hands – all creating a very special feeling.
“It is difficult to describe this reconnection with nature in words. It is an experience that touches the heart. Once they are there in its midst, people are incredibly open to what nature has to offer. When we prepare herb salts together or, in winter, make a chest rub over an open fire – everyone is fascinated and can acquire knowledge that they themselves can later use.”
The senses take centre stage – feeling, smelling and tasting, seeing and hearing, exploring the special meadows around Bad Ratzes, basket in hand, collecting herbs, carefully and thoughtfully, then smelling and tasting them. In between we sing songs as a sign of our gratitude: “Earth is my mother, heaven is my father; fire, earth, water and air – I exist.” You overcome your initial shyness – for when else do you sing or dance in everyday life? But here, with Katrin, it feels completely natural, as if you’ve never done otherwise.
“The best experience is when shared knowledge leaves a smile on the faces of young and old alike and you can really tell how fascinated they are.”
Later, you look for a tree friend to hug. Then the campfire is lit and you watch as the very first spark lights the tinder. You are there, totally in the present. After a break for lunch, you all meet up again for cooking, carving and crafting around the fire, with storytelling later. Katrin’s stories make the Schlern witches come to life again. In summer, people stay up late and watch the stars embellish the horizon.
Something long forgotten blossoms once more. Nature in Bad Ratzes has its effect on us and in us. It takes us back to our roots – and to our natural sensibility.
You too can follow in the silent footsteps of nature – on a journey of discovery through the meadows and forests of Bad Ratzes...