When I first read "Walden," 38 years ago, the life in the forest described by Henry David Thoreau (1817-62) sounded idealistic and fantastic. However, in spite of my longing for such an idyllic life, I couldn't live alone in the forest because of the reality I faced. I was satisfied with just hiking in the mountains from time to time.
When I was transferred to a little community consisting of four Pauline sisters in Wonju a month ago, my little dream of living in the forest came true in some way.
Whenever it is my turn to go to the "Pauline" bookshop founded in 1991 at Wonju Catholic Center, I am willing to walk through a small pass with tall trees. From my apartment to the bookshop, it takes about 40 minutes on foot.
When it is my turn to stay at home to do household chores, I enjoy taking a walk at a nearby mountain after lunch for about one or two hours. Mount Chiak is just around the corner and I am looking forward to spending my holiday there some time.
Looking around, I realize that 70 percent of the country is really mountainous. I am blessed with various mountain trails.
Walking around these days, I often see earthworms that make the earth soft and fertile. They live underground, but in the rainy season, many of them come out to breathe because their natural habitat is flooded. They come out to survive, but ironically they face death while crawling slowly on pathways.
One day, strolling around nearby villages, a little book cafe named "Small Good Things" caught my attention. With ivy growing on the front wall, the hidden book cafe beckoned me to enter.
A big dog with pale brown fur approached and accompanied me while I browsed through the bookshelves.
The bookshelves that look like ladders appeared so cute and welcoming. Several empty seats and tables were waiting for readers. The most interesting thing for me was the display of various books by H. D. Thoreau, as well as some books on gardening and the use of wild grass. I also noticed a book titled "A Universe in a Seed" by Jang Il-soon (1928-1994), an educator and environmental activist who developed a campaign for life through "Hansallim."
There is no signboard outside. Only when I come close to it can I see its logo just near the front gate. It is so small that it hardly attracts people.
The philosophy of "small is beautiful" is realized through diverse independent book cafes in Wonju, such as Koinonia, Bookbbangso, Aesthetics of Slow, Traveler's House Thoreau, Afternoon Action, Nangmanseom, and Bookcafe Teum.
Truly, small is beautiful and meaningful. Jesus also invites us to "become as little children" and to serve others humbly and simply.
The author (mtorchid88@gmail.com) is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (fsp.pauline.or.kr.) living and giving the Good News to the world by means of social communication.