In the woods I noticed the crunch of my sandal on the rocky path. I listened to the wind rustle the leaves. I observed the proud posture of the robin. I appreciated the nobility of the lone tree. I witnessed the decay, the rebirth.

I startled a blue jay, who darted off. And I was watched by a deer with fuzzy antlers.

I find that these small moments of presence give birth to strong memories. I am apt to drift in distraction; these moments possess some strange spell.

The ring of my water bottle bouncing against my leg sounded like a prayer bowl, calling me forth to the present moment.