Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, Stay awhile.

We all have a hungry heart, and one of the things we hunger for is happiness. So as much as I possibly could, I stayed where I was happy. I spent a great deal of time in my younger years just writing and reading, walking around the woods in Ohio, where I grew up.

I have a notebook with me all the time, and I begin scribbling a few words. When things are going well, the walk does not get anywhere; I finally just stop and write.

I think one thing is that prayer has become more useful, interesting, fruitful, and... almost involuntary in my life.

Every day I walk out into the world / to be dazzled, then to be reflective.

To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.

Rhythm is one of the most powerful of pleasures, and when we feel a pleasurable rhythm we hope it will continue. When it does, it grows sweeter.