Strong with modesty: Why less is often more!

Strong with modesty: stories from the Neflental valley

In the Neflental valley, the glorious peak begins, that wonderful time in summer when the light glows like amber. The sun is high in the sky and bathes the meadows in sunshine gold. The rivers turn into glittering ribbons and even the lakes sparkle like dancing sparks of fire. Everywhere, the inhabitants celebrate life and sit on the banks in colourful robes. Lanterns float like little stars in the twilight. Today, Rosa Immergrün is on her way to the Bernblütenhain, a magical place full of golden yellow flowers. Their scent is reminiscent of fresh honey and the gentle rain in summer.

A special summer's day in the Neflental

The sun warms your face while the wind plays with the scent of the Bernese blossom. In the Neflental valley, the glorious high sounds of joy, games and stories. Rosa Periwinkle runs through the amber blossom grove and hears happy laughter everywhere. The other children celebrate parties, show off their new jewellery and vie for the most beautiful dresses. They dance, decorate each other and compare who has the biggest flower jewellery.

Some friends build a huge campfire on the lakeshore. The lanterns slowly rise into the air and reflect all the bright colours: coral red, emerald green and sapphire blue shine in the light. Some people tell who has made the most lanterns or whose fire burns the brightest. But Rosa Periwinkle remains silent and simply watches. She enjoys the glitter of the water, the glow of the flowers and the chirping of the birds.

Why less is sometimes more in Neflental

There is a single, very small stone in the Bernblütenhain. Most people walk past it because it is barely noticeable in the glamour. But Rosa Periwinkle sits down next to it and feels the warmth in the stone. She looks up into the sky and admires the lanterns. A swarm of bees buzzes past. Many want to collect as many flowers as possible. Rosa Periwinkle, however, only gently caresses a single blossom. She closes her eyes and listens to the buzzing. Although she doesn't collect everything, she feels rich. The moment belongs to her alone.

Later, some friends come to Rosa Immergrün. They ask why she hasn't picked lots of flowers or decorated herself in the brightest colours. Rosa Periwinkle laughs softly and says: "You see, the little stone is warm because it has absorbed the sun. I have found a single flower that smells the most marvellous. And I have time to look at the dancing lanterns instead of calling out who has the most."

The big realisation at the lake

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

The golden sun slowly sets. Many people are still sitting around the campfire, but Rosa Periwinkle and her friends are enjoying the gentle evening by the water. They feel connected and happy. Sometimes all it takes is a single flower, a warm stone or friendship in the twilight.

What do we learn from this?

In Neflental, the time of the golden age shows that the greatest happiness often lies in small things. Anyone who goes through life with open eyes realises that modesty can make you stronger. Less really can be more. Trust, friendship and mindfulness are more valuable than any great treasure. This is what the story of Rosa Immergrün teaches us on this special summer's day in the Bernblütenhain.

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