In Walden, Thoreau said, " To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts." Outside the window of my townhouse stand a few palm trees. You would not believe how many birds live in these skinny trees.  right now is my favorite time of year because in the mornings when I meditate about half way through dawn comes and I like to see if I can be so present, so aware, as to hear the first bird chirp of the day and when I do it brings such beautiful, simple joy I know its going to be a good day.