“The beauty and mystery of this world

only emerges through affection, attention, interest and compassion . . .

open your eyes wide and actually see this world

by attending to its colors, details and irony.”

Orhan Pamuk

“If anything gives meaning to our lives,

rich or poor, yesterday or today, here or elsewhere, it is affection.

Without it, every bit of philosophical or scientific research

will leave us in an existential emptiness.

Life is viable because someone, even just once,

looked at us with love.”

Anoir Ou-Chad

“One might have practiced on a spiritual path for thirty years,

or one might be walking through a dappled wood,

or one might have just met a friend who will be a friend forever—

suddenly love is present, arriving unexpectedly,

as a tender feeling, a fragrance in the heart.”

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

“Peeling one layer after another

and never once getting close enough to the truth.

A dive into the deeper and darker and hidden corner of his world.

Searching for some kind of light;

for his guidance goodwill and affection.”

Kaleb Kilton

“Who else goes to the woods to find peace

only to discover themself in the process?

I find forests unclutter the mind

with each breath the trees afford me.”

Michael Poeltl