My friend’s house is located near Joigny, a small ancient town in the Bourgogne region, about ten minutes’ drive from the train station. It is a tiny village called Champvalon, with fewer than a hundred households, nestled among hills and fields. The village name indicates that it lies in the fields between two hills. It is a typical, authentic French rural village, surrounded by endless rolling green hills. The neighbors are mostly large farmhouses or farm buildings. Living in the countryside, the sunshine, air, tranquility, views, and state of mind offer a unique experience.

Besides working, we would walk up the hills every morning to practice qigong (clapping exercises). We would also take some time to stroll around nearby villages or visit famous historical sites. I have always had a special fondness for natural scenery. In this pastoral landscape, I found great joy. Especially in these winding, undulating hills and fields, the bright scenery is particularly distinctive. Bourgogne has long been known for its champagne region, so one can imagine that vineyards are an indispensable part of the view. Of course, there are also areas of sunflower fields and forests amidst the wheat fields, creating a unique natural scenery in Bourgogne.

This August, the sun shone brightly. Under the heat-escaping climate, it was particularly hot. We could only take walks on the forest trails and paths in the hills during the early morning before the sun rose, and practice qigong. From the vantage point of the hills, looking out over the boundless pastoral scenery, which changes with the morning temperature and mist, is truly charming. Under different temperatures and scenes each day, the beauty is overwhelming, pleasing to the eye and heart. All the beautiful sights of the world are before our eyes. Practicing qigong and appreciating the natural beauty are moments of quiet meditation, storing energy for the whole day, cultivating character, and inspiring the way of life.