“Often when with deliberation
I set out to enjoy nature with a capital ‘N’,
my eagerness and expectation
lead to disappointment once again.
But if, without intent, I step outside
merely to hang my washing on the line,
I am completely overwhelmed by the fine
October day:
the singing birds, the sparkling light,
the falling leaves put to flight
all introspection, I belong
to the simple life of the bird song
and sunlight and Autumn breeze,
And for a brief moment am at ease
in the world, disarmed into the peace
of the everyday.”
Anonymous lay Buddhist, quoted in Fragments of Holiness for Daily Reflection
King Edward Street Chapel 