Page 11 - 雲林縣政府專刊《雲好景》

If life is like a floating cloud,
Will you embrace the opulence or the mountains?

on the turbulent water, dancing on the water surface in dizzying splendor, like an
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greenish-blue sky imbues its own colors to this large area of vibrant water, along
with its lush and foliage and playful dancing water birds, creating such a comfortable
and livable ecological landscape. I subconsciously raised my phone and took a few
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down very gently at the edge of the trail platform, lest I, as an outsider, disturb this
otherwise tranquil heaven. I looked at the open expanse in front of me for some time,
emptying my mind. Right there and then, I felt the “present moment”, a quiet feeling
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you think it is a waste of time to empty your mind? Or is it a waste of time to blindly
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described in fairy tales. The leaves are no longer bound by green, and the yellow or
red branches are as lively as if a fairy enchanted them. Under the shade of the trees
is a blessed coolness that endows simple happiness to the pedestrians who amble
on. With every step I took in the forest, I felt the “present moment” again, my breath,
my own existence. Isn’t it the most blissful experience to be able to breathe freely
and walk freely? I look up and see the mountains in the distance, and I see many
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my feet. Just like when we achieve a milestone, we think about how to reach the next
peak. Standing on each peak, seeing only the ordinary rocks and trees around, my
proud heart disdains what is beneath my feet and envies the high and lofty peaks in
the distance, forgetting that this was once our goal, disregarding the many summits
we already reached. I looked up and saw the clouds smiling faintly, staying in place,
not envying others, not clinging to supposed heights.

I leaned my forehead against the window, aboard a train that would soon leave
Yunlin. Outside the window is a beautiful view that I cannot take away, and inside
my heart is a light and comforting ease. Nature has always been the best teacher,
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kind of mindfulness has been embedded in the souls of my friends from Yunlin,
which is why they have warm and considerate personalities and kind and simple
souls. Yunlin has small towns, mountains and seas, charming cultural monuments
that record the stories of the past, and harmonious scenery that nurtures the folks
here. I will remember this beautiful dream and visit Yunlin when I need to soul search
my way in life and renew this beautiful dream yet once again.

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