“Nature is our mother. Because we live cut off from her, we become sick,” wrote Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh while showing us simple mindfulness activities for everyday life. I keep going back to these gentle teachings as I find myself stuck in the city, spending very little time near trees and flowers.
Another outlet that brings me closer to nature is poetry. So today, I would like to share with you one of my favorite poems titled “Leisure” by W. H. Davies (July 3, 1871–September 26, 1940) from the collection Songs of Joy.
MINDFUL ART OF LEISURE
by W. H. DaviesWhat is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.No time to stand beneath the boughs,
And stare as long as sheep and cows.No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Complement this Song of Joy with Mary Oliver’s poem that teaches us to live in the now.
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