Bärbel Michels
Love at first sight.
... was when Bärbel Michels discovered the Old Forester's Lodge in Rehsiepen in the quiet Schmallenberg Sorpe Valley at 600 metres, which was for sale. "I immediately dreamed what could be made of it." 47 years ago, the home care nurse bought the house together with her husband by mail auction - and the two of them never regretted it for a single day. They restored the historic homestead from 1885 with oven and smokehouse to its original state
"Even today I still stand in front of it often in astonishment and rejoice every day in life in and with nature. I could not imagine anything more beautiful."
In portrait
Elisabeth Grube
Elisabeth Grube was, among other things, a Protestant pastor in the parish Gleidorf and hospital chaplain. She has been involved in the "Paths to Life" project for several years, a network with stakeholders from tourism, churches, local history and cultural work. In addition to the event Spiritueller Sommer, the idea of the Sauerland-Seelenorte, which brings spiritual and powerful places in the region to life for guests and locals.
It is a paradise on earth
Deer, rabbits, birds, slowworms and fire salamanders love the natural garden with flowers, vegetables and herbs. Below, orchids and cotton grass grow on a wet meadow and are estimated to be around "120 other plant species", says the nature lover. Enthusiastic hikers also stop by the house, because a circular trail of the Sauerland high altitude flight passes directly by the house. Sometimes a little conversation develops there - and when Bärbel Michels has time, she likes to show them the garden and the cosy interiors. In order to preserve the listed ensemble for posterity, she and her husband established a foundation a few years ago. What the guardian of the local heritage so likes about the region is not only the nature, but also the uncomplicated nature of the people. "When I'm in the garden and something comes apart, nobody here looks at me diagonally when I jump into a shop in Schmallenberg in my green work trousers. I find it a great freedom."
Elisabeth Grube finds herself in it. She has moved a lot in her life, most recently in 2010 when she came to the Schmallenberger Sauerland came to Schmallenberg. So the theme of belonging is a constant companion on her journey. She has learned to wander between worlds and always open a window to a new experience, for example what it is like to find a home on her husband's farm in Heiminghausen. There is a Catholic chapel dedicated to St. Lucia, the luminous one. Initially, this is the antithesis of her Protestant faith, which does not recognize the veneration of saints. But Lucia, who defied the opposition in society, became a source of inspiration for Elisabeth Grube and the place became a personal place of the soul. "She had the courage to go her own way. Her story encourages me to do the same." For Elisabeth Grube, Lucia's path also provides a lot of inspiration on how people can immerse themselves in the experience of a place of the soul: What holds me? What is really important to me? Where can I feel my connection to the big picture - regardless of what others think? For them, a place of the soul is a place that can give them a sense of security even in the unsecured. Everyone probably knows such a place. "But perhaps you approach the Sauerland places of the soul with a certain tension because they are important to others. This makes it easier to open up to a spiritual experience, which can look different for everyone." She is aware that it usually takes some practice to get involved in the silence and is considering whether she will soon be guiding people in some Sauerland- places of the soul. "It helps to concentrate on the sensory impressions around you. So: What am I hearing right now? What do I see? How does it feel to be sitting in this place? Physical awareness makes it easier to consciously pause." Further suggestions can be found in the brochure "Sauerland- Seelenorte", available from www.schmallenberger-Sauerland.de