I entered through the low stone archway that marked the path’s entrance, passing through the shade it provided to the open air and the sun beyond. As I walked along, I took note of the cobblestones under my feet, the old stone buildings on my left and right, and the sun warming my back and glinting off the orange trees still heavy with fruit in the middle of winter.
And then, as I entered the covered archway marking the end of the path, I almost stepped on a dead pigeon.
Next time I practice mindfulness, I try and make sure there are no carcasses in my path.