This is our little mountain missive;
with a note of affection, a wiff of mischief,
and a gentle plea to walk lightly.

Here, the forest is not backdrop
but a bustling neighbourhood:
birds running the local news service,
clouds auditioning their dramatic entrances,
creatures carving out their own survival.
We share this hillside with them
let’s keep it free of litter, free of hurry,
free of the heavy perfume of consumerism.

Water here is a quiet miracle.
Every drop journeys through rock and root
before it finds your glass.
Sip slowly.
Shower like a poet.
Be  brief, essential, leaving room
for the next stanza.

And yes, a word on toilet paper.
It belongs in the bin, not the bowl.
The plumbing will thank you.
The mountains will too
though they’re too polite to say it out loud.

As for plastic bottles,
let’s not invite them to the party.
Your thermos and our refill stations
are already in a happy, committed relationship.

This is not a list of rules,
but an invitation to conspire with the earth.
To travel lightly,
to leave behind nothing but laughter
and a trail of good stories.

Thank you for joining us
in this quiet rebellion of care.
Together, we keep the land breathing,
and the memories bright enough
to follow you home.

With gratitude,
The Stewards of Swara Retreat