Plum Village: remembering, part 2

It was a mostly cloudy, cool morning. I was just standing and watching the monks get on with their day. Since I'd just arrived no one paid much attention to me. I noticed that, near the center of the village, a ring of bamboo had been planted. The bamboo had created a small secluded spot. In the middle of the circle was a large stone and next to the stone was a small wooden stool. I entered the circle through one of the four or five openings and sat on the stool. I felt very peaceful. The sun came from behind the clouds. Suddenly, all that I could hear was the wind rustling the bamboo and all that I could feel was the warmth of the sun. I leaned back against the rock and closed my eyes. I don't know how long I rested there but when the sun passed back behind the clouds it became cool again so I sat upright on the stool. I thought, why don't I ever listen to my bamboo at home? I must remember to do that when I return home. I began to feel chilly so I walked to the dining hall for a cup of tea.

While this was the most memorable, I had similar experiences at different places around the village. Everyone was encouraged to seek out "mindful" experiences like mine. Not a good way to run a business but a great way to run a life.