PINE FOREST ENUGU: A HOME TO THE WEARY AND A HAVEN FOR THE TROUBLED
The challenges of life and the responsibility attached to our societal position usually confer on every individual a dual personality. There is the public persona, the one the public knows and associates with; and there is the inner person, who steers the ‘ship’ while remaining largely invisible to the public eyes, and comprises the fear, doubts and strength of the individual—which is the very essence of the individual. For instance, in Africa where it is considered a sign of weakness for a man to cry, most men wear a hard face and toughen up when in pain, all in a bid to sell the notion that they are not fragile and are mature to the public, but when alone, these men actually grovel in pain and cry. In another illustration, responsibility to the church could make a pastor or preacher wear a smile all the time, even when they are hurting and are emotionally disturbed. The need to maintain always a certain demeanor in the public suffocates and bottles up our emotions, and in turn, these emotions accumulate only to explode under the influence of little pressure, causing the disorientation and destabilization of the individuals involved. Hence, it is an invaluable gift to have a place where one can be oneself without feeling the pressure of responsibility.
Although, time and the means have not allowed me to travel around the world and within my country in search of such places as much as I would have loved to, I have been to quite a few beautiful places in my country Nigeria. However, of all these places, I enjoyed my visit to the Pine Forest Enugu most and it has since become a haven for me. The Pine forest is hosted by the Milken Hill—named after one of the earliest colonial administrators of Enugu State— on the highlands of Enugu state, at Ngwo in Enugu North local government area of Enugu State in Nigeria. The hills are hundreds of meters above sea level, offering beautiful platform for a vintage view of Enugu metropolis. The neat cluster of pine trees mark out a path that leads downstream to the Ngwo cave and water fall, with the valley floor tiled by a gentle flowing stream of clear spring waters. The rows of pine trees and the natural carpet of pine leaves form a natural blanket; the collection of the pine trees and the spring purifies the air, while the soft chirping of birds and the graceful sight below the hills appear to make time stop. The forest is a convergence of natural grace and beauty; and its lush, serene and tranquil environment helps to soothe heaviness of the heart.
Moreover, as a devout Christian, its scenery offers me a place where I can appreciate the wonders of creation and feel close to God. Up there, at about hundreds of meters above sea level, I can shout on top of my lungs, and yell at the top of my voice. I can weep and beckon on God to come to my aid in whatever challenge I am facing; I can lie still and be comforted by the gentle waves of the cool breeze, up there I could do almost anything, and be my real self without having to look over my shoulder. Up there, I can call my fear by name and present it to God in the hope of a solution. But that is not all, I also draw inspiration from the resilience of the trees, and I garner strength from the gentle noise of the stream; I find encouragement when I consider that these structures have had to navigate both friendly and adverse climate conditions to remain as beautiful as ever. Ultimately, I find the will to let go, stop worrying, and move on: I open up my heavy heart and deal with every bottled up emotion.
Finally, I descend the hills without any trace of the heaviness that once weighed me down, ready to take up my social responsibilities and maintain the required demeanor only that this time, I do not have bottled up emotions waiting to explode. Pine forest Enugu is indeed a place that inspires me to feel strong and hopeful such that my heart overflows with appreciation and gratitude each time I envisage it.
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About the author: Ezeuduji Oluchi is a student of the department of medical laboratory science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. She loves reading, travelling and soccer. Her greatest passion is inspiring people around her and she hopes she will be better equipped to do that after graduation.
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