Strong with humility: Why less is often more!

Strong with humility: Stories from the Neflental

In the Neflental valley, the golden hour begins, that wonderful time in summer when the light glows like amber. The sun stands high in the sky, bathing the meadows in golden sunlight. The rivers become glittering ribbons, and even the lakes sparkle like dancing sparks of fire. Everywhere, the inhabitants celebrate life, sitting by the riverbanks in colourful robes. Lanterns drift like little stars in the twilight. Rosa Immergrün is out today in the Bernblütenhain, a magical place full of golden-yellow blossoms. Their fragrance is reminiscent of fresh honey and gentle summer rain.

A special summer's day in the Neflental

The sun warms the face, while the wind plays with the scent of the cowslips. In the Neflental, the high festival echoes with joy, games, and stories. Rosa Immergrün runs through the cowslip grove, hearing cheerful laughter everywhere. The other children are celebrating, showing off their new jewellery, and vying for the most beautiful dresses. They dance, decorate each other, and compare who has the largest floral adornment.

Some friends are building a huge bonfire on the lake shore. The lanterns are slowly rising into the air, reflecting all the colourful hues: coral red, emerald green, and sapphire blue gleam in the light. Some are boasting about who made the most lanterns or whose fire burns the brightest. But Pink Evergreen remains silent and simply watches. She enjoys the glittering of the water, the glow of the flowers and the chirping of the birds.

Why Less is Sometimes More in the Neflental

In the Bernblossom Grove lies a single, very small stone. Most people walk past it because it is hardly noticeable in the bright sunshine. But Rosa Immergrün sits down next to it and feels the warmth in the stone. She looks up at the sky and admires the lanterns. A swarm of bees buzzes past. Many want to collect as many blossoms as possible. However, Rosa Immergrün gently strokes just one single blossom. She closes her eyes and listens to the buzzing. Although she doesn't collect everything, she feels rich. The moment belongs entirely to her.

Later, some friends come to visit Rosa Immergrün. They ask why she hasn’t picked lots of flowers or adorned herself in the most vibrant colours. Rosa Immergrün laughs quietly and says, „Can you see, the little stone is warm because it has absorbed the sun. I have found a single flower that smells the most wonderfully. And I have time to watch the dancing lanterns, instead of calling out who has the most.“

The great revelation by the lake

The children are surprised at first. Then they hear the wind rustling through the clover blossoms. They breathe in the air and feel how beautifully calm everything is. Some sit down with Rosa Immergrün and let the others go on. They quietly tell each other stories and watch how the light reflects in the leaves. Soon they realise that small things often bring more joy than the biggest bouquet of flowers.

The golden sun is slowly setting. Many are still sitting around the campfire, but Rosa Immergrün and her friends are enjoying the gentle evening by the water. They feel connected and happy. Sometimes a single flower, a warm stone, or friendship at dusk is enough.

What do we learn from this?

In the Neflental, the time of bloom shows us that the greatest happiness often lies in small things. Those who go through life with open eyes realise that modesty can make us strong. Less can truly be more. Trust, friendship and mindfulness are more valuable than any great treasure. That's what the story of Rosa Immergrün teaches us on this special summer day in the Bernblütenhain.

You want the book „Order “Rosa Immergrün and the Golden Oak Leaf" – click here!. Feel free to take Contact the author Kira Kimmelmann Read more short stories by Pink evergreen here.