I return from Nature’s honeymoon and rest with a renewed clarity of the vision and direction ahead. I call it the Jeju Wisdom.
The Jeju Wisdom combined with the experience and signs of Nature that I experienced in the Forest School sessions upon my return led to the realisation of the Return to Rifle Range Forest (RRF).
We have been away from RRF since 2019 due to redevelopment works by the National Parks Board (NParks). Though it re-opened in Nov 2022, we did not return to the space immediately as it was crowded. We had the permission of the Clementi Forest (CF) Guardians to venture in her space, hence we settled our Migration to Mayfair Park (a location between both forests).
However, the recent signs and messages from the Forest, Children, and Community of Forest School Singapore (FSS) have shown me a clear path. One that needs to be taken for its pure purpose.
In the second week of RRF re-opening (in November 2022), I made the trip into RRF. I went to check on her and her conditions after the re-development. Not to my amazement, NParks has made great effort to board up and manicure the space. It was as it is. They also installed many CCTV cameras and ‘No Entry’ signs around the park, seemingly to deter Forest School’s wild and free presence in the RRF. A space that I call home. I knew at that time that FSS should pause and wait a while more before returning home, the space where the Forest School movement first started in Singapore.
I experienced increasing stress and antagonisation when a photograph taken by an associate of NParks (without my name or IC), at RRF, led to them giving me a fine of $300 for off-trailing. While that is not a big issue for me, it did make me step back from RRF during that time to avoid further antagonistic engagements with NParks.
The air stood still, as we adapted our ways to fit the land of Clementi Forest and Green Corridor. Deep inside, the yearning for the magic of the deep woods and the connection of the streams of RRF grew.
Clementi Forest took great care of us, just as many of the Forest do to children around the world.
The trip to South Korea, Jeju, brought me a powerful and clear realisation. Only the mind of a quiet soul will be able to hear.
The Jeju Wisdom of the Gotjawal forest showed me that “Conflict is the path to Harmony”. The beautiful forest and Natural environment we see are built upon many layers of conflict that span hundreds and thousands of years. It is only through this that we can realise the treasure ahead. Bravery is needed to embark on this journey back to RRF. We are aware of conflicts we have to face with NParks and possibly many public folks who misunderstand us. Instead of avoiding them, the path we have to take is to face them head-on.
“The Treasure of the Forest is found on the other end of this Conflict”
Gotjawal Forest
While in Jeju, I visited many Forests, Mountains, Coasts and Parks. In places that are crowded and manicured, we often find INSTRUCTIONS on the footpaths directing people where to walk. In places that are wild and messy, we are left to our INSTINCT as beings of Nature to navigate the narrow paths and environment. It is this phenomenon that made me realise the difference between Connection and Disconnection. Do you realise what I realised? 😉
Jeju Wisdom allowed me to once more connect deeply with the Language of the Universe, through my conversations with the winds and the beings of the space. There was so much to hear and learn from. One can only understand through our connection with the Language of the Universe.
My understanding of Time and Season was also further deepened through the Jeju Wisdom.
In the serene walk on the Oreums of Jeju, I found myself realising how we have been conditionally taught the element of TIME. We function on the artificial numerical construct of Time that manages and controls our everyday life. It serves us seemingly so well that we have forgotten the true element of Time, the Light.
During the days when artificial time was not invented, all beings on Earth functioned and lived in the presence of Light. The setting and rising sun dictate our living. The visual state of the moon dictates our rhythm. The stars and alignment of the sky dictate our direction.
In doing Forest School fully outdoors, we adhere to the true essence of time that reaches us through their light. This is probably why most of us struggle to “manage time” in FSS sessions, though young children do not.
The seasons of Winter to Spring observed on the Snowy Mountain Trails of Hallasan brought a deep sense of transition that it was impossible to not understand the magic of Seasons. As city dwellers, we function largely on Calendars and plans, especially in a city-state like Singapore. But it is more important to realise our seasons and follow them while the seasons point us to what we may be. I realise that FSS as a community of Nature will also have our seasons. Thus I will follow them as Nature shows us the clues and signs.
Nature’s Clues are all around us. She tells us tales and lores beyond our imagination. She gives advice and points us on the journey to find our true selves. The growing bud of seemingly empty branches of a tree signals the beginning of spring. The hovering seagulls over the sea signal the presence of dolphins and whales feeding beneath the sea. The increased intensity of buzzing signals the proximity of a bee hive. When we pay attention to Nature’s clues, we will know what we need to do in our life.
Being able to enjoy the quietness and simplicity of the travel around Jeju was a blessing. The full experience of connection led me from one realisation to another. A clear mind was formed through the Jeju Wisdom. Many decisions and ideas shine clearer through the experience of the Jeju Wisdom.
“Forest School Singapore is a community that helps to bring people to a space between the Earth and the Stars”
Wind at Sunrise Peak.
Upon my return back to Singapore, I spent my whole weekend immersing myself in the Homenest Friday class, the Coaches Refresher Training, and the Squirrel Sunday class. Each day brought a closer realisation of the return. I paid attention to Nature and her signs.
On Friday, the group entered the Forest Valley space near the Bukit Timah Railway Station. A space that we did not notice throughout the past 4 months in Clementi Forest. Coach Brenda, the one who “found” the space, played her way into it. As I went about experiencing it with our children and coaches of HomeNest, the big Banyan Tree had a message, “The Forest reveals itself when we are Ready”.
On Saturday, I was greeted with a barricaded Clementi Valley (aka Field on top of Bukit Timah Diversion Canal) with plenty of fallen big trees along many trail paths of the Clementi Forest and Holland Greens. The signs were pointing to something. I paid attention…
On Sunday, the Squirrel Sunday children and coaches decided to venture towards Hindhede Nature Park. It was a different direction from the usual Green corridor. However, along the way, they decided to turn into Rifle Range Forest. I went with them through the crowded trails and was blissfully part of the magic of free and wild children in action. Compelled by many memories and emotions, I opened up and told stories about our old FSS times in RRF. At the end of the session, tears welled up in my eyes as I walked and sat down together with the children and coaches through the very same path that I took 5 years ago.
Nature has revealed all her signs.
Bravery and Courage will be needed ahead.
It has been a long way coming.
It is Time…
*** Updates as of 17 March 2023:
After taking the initiative to email NParks to seek redress, we have gotten into engagement with a new and more positive voice of the leadership…. (to be continued)
PS: Keep up to date through our articles. For those curious about our on-goings with NParks, you are welcome to email forestschoolsingapore@gmail.com to inquire about more details.
Written by: Darren Quek
Edited by: Zoe Xu
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