Breathe

 

Breathe in.

When the trees and the stones start to look the same, remember that it is an illusion. And listen, the wind never carries the same message twice.
Breathe out.

Breathe in.
Time moves slowly in the woods. I forget why I was in a hurry to get somewhere and to be someone.
Breathe out.

Breathe in.
The woods are less scary than the world outside. Here, I can stop and think and feel. Here, I can accept that change and death are a natural part of life.
Breathe out.

Breathe in.
Sometimes, the best way to climb a mountain is 50 steps at a time. Sometimes, the best way to see the forest is to stop often and look at the trees. Sometimes, the best way to feel alive is to notice the moment your breath becomes air.
Breathe out.

@ Mt. Nijyo, Nara