We have a swing on my porch. I never realized how happy it would make me until I finally tried it out. I love it! There is something to be said about meditating on a swing on your front porch. In the morning, after I drag myself out of bed at 5:45 AM, I come back from the gym, make a shake, and sit on the swing. I just sit there and observe the cars driving by and peacefulness of Ninth East before the craziness of the day starts.

This past Saturday, I was sitting on the porch, doing some homework, when Sarah comes up and sits next to me. We started talking about the things we love, pretty much the little things of life. I whipped out my typical love: the smell of the first fresh-cut grass of spring season. I can't say that the fresh cut grass smell is number one, I'm much too analytical to ever find an official spot for the smell, but it's pretty close to number one. How thrilling is it to smell the cut grass and realize warm weather and sun are on the horizon?

The other experience I love, but unfortunately haven't had the chance to experience for a while, is complicated to describe but well worth the description. When I used to be able to run, I would always try to find new running routes just for a new experience. When I get outside in the morning, it's pretty cold, and the sun is still behind the mountains. As the Sun starts to rise, and before it comes over the mountain, the sunbeams stream through the valley behind the temple. It's breath taking. The experience of being out in the morning while it is still serene is tied in with the beauty of the sight. It's another moment of meditation when the world is still, and you can think unfettered from distractions. I love the little things.