Earlier this summer, I hiked Diamond Notch Trail with friends. I’d been distracted and exhausted by ruminating thoughts. I hoped some time in nature with good people would take my mind off things.

The goal was to get to the falls. The first stretch ran along sunlit rock-pools stair-stepping their way up the mountain trail. About fifteen minutes in, we left the creek behind for dense forest. The way kept getting steeper and darker. Conversations fell silent as we focused on the climb. In the silence, my racing thoughts returned.

A few hours later, the forest opened to a bridge. Directly below was the waterfall, a wall about 15-feet tall and 50-feet across. Its face was divided into plateaus covered in bright moss. Water burst forth from the cracks and rocks, showering the bathing visitors below.

Hikers, hipsters, families, and their dogs sat along the banks. Some swam, some took photos, others lunched. Some were loud, some spoke in soft forest voices, others sat quietly watching the falls.

My friend Keith turns to me and says, "What I love about places like this is that I know that no matter what, this is here. When I'm stuck in a traffic jam, or work sucks, I think of this and it's better. Knowing this is here, always being beautiful, now, and long after I'm gone, makes it all better."

I looked back up at the falls. I noticed tears in my eyes. I raised a hand to wipe them away, but it had black earth on it. I washed my hands in the cold water, watching the dark particles dissolve away into the ancient stream.

For this week, I invite you to think about a beautiful place that is always there. Where is a place that, no matter what, adds beauty to this world? Whether it’s right outside or across the world, close your eyes and just visit it for a little while.