Zen masters use the word 'satori' to describe a flash of insight, a spiritual awakening, a moment of no-mind and total presence.
Although 'satori' is not a lasting transformation, be grateful when it comes for it give you a taste of enlightenment.
You may indeed, have experienced it many times without knowing what it is and realizing its importance.
Presence is needed to become aware of the beauty, the majesty, the sacredness of nature.
Have you ever gazed up into the infinity of space on a clear night, awestruck by the absolute stillness and inconceivable vastness of it?
Have you listened, truly listened, to the sound of a mountain stream in the forest? Or to the song of a blackbird at dusk on a quiet summer evening?
To become aware of such things, the mind needs to be still.
You have put down for a moment your personal baggage of problems, of past and future, as well as your knowledge; otherwise, you will see but not see, hear but not hear.
Your total presence is required.
Beyond the beauty of the external forms, there is more here: something that cannot be named, something ineffable, some deep, inner, holy essence.
Whenever and wherever there is beauty, the inner essence shines through somehow.
It only reveals itself to you when you are present.
Could it be that this nameless essence and your presense are one and the same?
Would it be there without your presense?
Go deeply into it.
Find out for yourself.

Inspired by The Power of Now ~ Eckhart Tolle ~