🌿That Inexplicable Band with Green.

A Walk Through the Beguinage

Last week I visited good friends in Belgium. They took me to the Beguinage in Leuven – a place I'll never forget. Not for the historic buildings or the architecture, but for something much more fundamental: the greenery.

As we strolled through the tranquil courtyards, I saw something remarkable happen. My friends, normally down-to-earth people, were transformed. Their eyes lit up. Their voices took on a different tone. With great passion, they recounted every plant, every flower, every detail of the greenery surrounding us. And I? I felt it too. That inexplicable fascination. That peace. That connection.

Why Does Green Affect Us So Deeply?

It's not a coincidence. It's not a trend. It's something much older, much deeper. Humans can't deny that they have THAT connection with nature. But what exactly is that? Why does our breathing change when we're surrounded by greenery? Why do conversations soften? Why do we feel... at home?

It's in Our DNA

For thousands of years, our ancestors lived among plants. Green meant water, food, and safety. Our brains are literally programmed to respond positively to nature. Scientists call it "biofilia"—the innate tendency to seek connections with other life forms.

Green Makes Us Better

Studies show it time and again:

• Our stress levels drop within 5 minutes in nature
• Hospital patients with a view of greenery recover faster
• Children who play outside are more creative and concentrate better
• Offices with plants have more productive and happier staff

But numbers don't tell the whole story.

That Look in Their Eyes

What touched me most at the Beguinage wasn't the information my friends shared. It was their passion. That spark in their eyes when they pointed out a special plant. That pride when they talked about a flower they'd planted themselves. That gentleness when they touched a leaf.

And I see it all around me:

The neighbor who takes care of her balcony plants every morning with the same dedication as an artist works on his masterpiece.

The businessman who walks through the park on his lunch break, forgets his phone for a moment, and just... breathes.

The child staring, fascinated, at a blooming flower, as if witnessing a miracle. And it is.

We Can't Deny It

Just try it. Try to remain indifferent when you:

• A garden full of flowers sees
• Walking through a forest on a sunny day
• The smell of freshly cut grass smells
• Seeing a plant growing that you planted yourself

It's not working. Something's happening. Something inside you is relaxing. Something inside you is waking up. Something inside you feels... connected.

Green is Not a Luxury

We often treat greenery as decoration. As something nice to have. As a hobby. But it's more than that. Greenery isn't a luxury – it's a necessity. Not just for our planet, but for our souls.

In a world of screens, speed, and stress, green is our anchor. Our haven. Our home.

Sharing That Passion

What inspires me most about my friends in Leuven isn't their knowledge of plants. It's their willingness to share that passion. To share their fascination with others. To show that this connection with greenery is accessible to everyone.

You don't need to be a botanist. You don't need a big garden. You just need... to be open. To that one plant on your windowsill. To that tree in your street. To that moment of silence amidst the greenery.

Start Small, Feel Big

Maybe you don't have a Beguinage around the corner. Maybe you don't have friends to take you on green explorations. But you can still start.

One plant. One moment a day to truly observe. One breath amidst the greenery.

And then you feel it. That inexplicable bond. That fascination. That peace.

Because deep down, we all know it: we have THAT with nature. And that's the most beautiful thing there is. JIHANEgreen!

This article is inspired by a visit to the Beguinage in Leuven and the passion of two special people who showed me that green is not only around us, but also within us.

Have you had such a moment? A place where you felt that connection with green? Share your story with us. 💚🌿