In order for nature to have an effect on us, we have to be mindful, and then whatever circumstance we’re in can be a source of insight or reflection. Even if it’s something very difficult, we can still use it as a means of mindfully applying attention, and draw those experiences into the heart. There’s a senior Thai monk who defined mindfulness as “that function of nature that takes the experiences of the senses and draws them into the heart.” It’s natural, but we do have to draw experiences into the heart to really absorb them and reflect on them. And that requires attentiveness to the world around us.
Ajahn Pasanno
Monastic
Ajahn Pasanno took ordination in Thailand in 1974 and was a disciple of Ajahn Chah. He is now the Guiding Elder at Abhayagiri Monastery.