Fragrant Hills, China

“In a world that’s getting louder, it’s important to seek out the places that are still quiet” — Chris Burkard

Driving through the pollution, just barely out of the city I began to see mountains on the horizon. I step out of the taxi. For the first time in a long time, I hear the sound of a bird singing; something I have easily taken for granted. A reminder of the pure world around me. The air is crisp, cold, and fresh in my lungs. I walk for hours and hours. I finally make it to the top and gaze upon an endless quilt of trees and mountains that seem to never end. The temples amongst the mountains remind me to always be kind. Buddha once said, “before you speak your words should pass through three gates; is it kind? is it necessary? is it true?’. The birds that fly around me are kind, this air is necessary, and the way this journey makes me feel at home is true.

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