Somehow over these last few weeks, I have been more aware of my feet touching the earth through my shoes. I notice the quality of the earth--sand, grass, pavement, dirt. And immediately I feel more at home in the world.

Perhaps this is because I have been reading Thich Nhat Hanh's "Peace Is Every Breath," where he says: "Walking meditation is a wonderful practice that helps us be present for each moment. Every step made in awareness helps us get in touch with the wonders of life that are here, available to us right now."

Right now I notice the feeling of my bare feet on the carpet. Somehow this awakens me to the bird songs floating in through the window screen. Their flute-like calls are about to lure me out the door!