The Zen of Recording in real spaces

Arrive in time -
Unload your gear, preferably before the space -
Empty your mind of your thoughts on how to setup for this gig -
Breathe -
Walk into the space slowly and take in the layout with your eyes -
Close your eyes as you step into the acoustic realm -
Breathe -
Listen carefully for the sound of your breath, your steps, sounds from without, the ambience within -
You are ready to go.

In 1971 Michael Gerzon observed: "The rule here is so astonishing and difficult that many engineers seem to think that balancing up twenty or so mikes is a lot quicker. The rule is to walk around during a rehearsal or first run-through, find out what position makes the music sound best live, and then place the microphones at that precise point at ear height!"
[Why Coincident Microphones? In: Studio Sound Vol. 13, pp. 117, 119, 140; from www.michaelgerzonphotos.org.uk ]