I have a new office. It sits in the middle of a rushing mountain stream, with aspen trees dancing on eight sides. Periwinkle butterflies flutter about in clouds, sometimes stopping to perch on my hand as I write. I fling off my shoes and soak my feet until they are numb. Then I get to work, sitting on my hot rock.
I have noticed something since I started spending my afternoons here last week. In practice we are constantly trying to stay present in the moment, and we create all sorts of tools to make that happen: practices, mantras, affirmations. But when I am in pure pristine nature, mind settles, and the incredible beauty naturally takes hold of consciousness. The mind stays happily present and I don’t have to do anything to create the experience. There is no effort required at all.
Diary of a Pilgrim 