A few days ago, a friend and loyal Hopium Health reader—David—called me with a question.
He and his wife were planning a trip to France.
“Where should we go?” he asked.
Now, France offers enough beauty to last a hundred lifetimes. But I told him what I tell most friends who ask for advice like this:
“Paris. And one small place in Provence. No more. Take it slow.”
And then I added one quiet gem that most travelers miss:
“And if you have an extra afternoon… take the train to Giverny.”
Where Monet Still Paints
Giverny is where Claude Monet lived, painted, and gardened.
His house still stands, filled with color.
His studio is still there, with soft light.
And just beyond, the water garden—the one with the lily pond and the Japanese bridge—awaits.
It’s not just beautiful. It’s otherworldly.
The colors don’t feel real.
The air feels choreographed.
The reflections in the pond are so perfect they feel like memories of dreams.
It was one of the most peaceful days of my life.
And Now, You’re Coming Too
Let’s go there now.
Close your eyes, if it helps. Or just soften your gaze.
Breathe gently.
You don’t have to do anything except follow along.
You arrive at Giverny just after breakfast.
It’s spring.
The sky is clear, a soft blue brushed with feather-light clouds.
There’s a whisper in the trees.
The gravel under your feet crunches gently as you walk the narrow path toward the gardens.
You’re with someone you love. Maybe a partner. Maybe yourself. Maybe a memory.
The air smells like lilac and green.
There’s no rush. No phone. No schedule.
You round the corner—there it is.
The pond.
Still. Mirrored. Framed by the famous green Japanese bridge.
Weeping willows brush the surface like fingers touching a page.
Carp rise silently, then vanish.
A breeze kisses your shoulder.
You keep walking slowly. You notice things:
- The orange of the poppies
- The flutter of a butterfly over iris
- The distant sound of laughter from another visitor
You walk quietly, then sit on a bench.
Let your hands rest softly on your lap.
Close your eyes for a moment.
Inhale slowly… deeply… through your nose.
Exhale gently, as if fogging a mirror.
Now imagine:
The warmth of the sun on your skin.
The coolness of the bench beneath you.
The sound of birds, distant and light.
The scent of blooming iris and damp earth.
The gentle ripple of water just beyond your feet.
Breathe again.
Long… quiet… steady.
Feel your shoulders drop.
Feel your jaw release.
Feel the garden welcome you in.
For a while, you say nothing.
Just breathe.
And Now… You’ve Meditated
You didn’t chant.
You didn’t sit cross-legged.
You didn’t light incense.
But make no mistake:
You just gave your nervous system a full-body massage.
- Your breathing slowed.
- Your heart rate dropped.
- Your mind unclenched.
- Your imagination opened.
- Your body believed—if only for a moment—that you were there.
This is called guided imagery, and it’s one of the most evidence-backed ways to reduce stress, lower inflammation, and increase mental clarity.
It’s also stealth meditation—like Mr. Miyagi teaching the Karate Kid to wax cars, and only later revealing: you’ve been practicing the moves all along.
What to Do Next
You don’t have to book a flight to France.
You don’t even need Monet.
What you need is a little time.
And a place. A garden. A bench. A walk.
This week, consider:
- Visiting a botanical garden nearby
- Taking a walk in your neighborhood with your eyes open
- Spending 5 minutes a day imagining a place that brings you peace
Better yet, revisit this article whenever you need a break.
We’ll meet you at the pond.
With love, color, and just the right amount of Hopium,
— The Hopium Health team
