savoring simple everyday pleasures
It's Friday night, and as I sit here cozily, after a hot shower, in a fluffy robe, scented candles burning, adding a calm glow to the room, soft piano music drifting, and the gentle clanking of the chimney as it heats back up again after the fire on the level below me was stoked with fresh logs, I feel so at peace, accomplished and the slower pace of the weekend is tangible, and like a delicious treat waiting just for me. After this somewhat hectic and full week, I feel I will appreciate and savor this weekend even more so. The forecast is for fine crisp days, and among the usual household chores and errands, time with family, walks with friends and ladies golf is planned. I feel a little buzz of energy too that I'm almost excited to get thoroughly organized again for the next week- without in any way wishing my weekend away. The feeling this past Sunday afternoon/ Monday morning of preparedness and calm organization was wonderful- setting me up with such a positive foot to step into the new week. I cant wait to manage that again. Its quite therapeutic- when you have the time and inclination- less so when we are over committed and stressed about the weekend to do list being seemingly unachievable in the two days, let alone fitting in any leisure time or relaxation or pauses.
To punctuate my work week ending and this longed for 60 odd hours before Monday morning kicks in, I began with a beautiful chilly bush walk on a favorite local track, late afternoon as the light faded (although happily a little later noticeably each day now) and adorned with a clear rainbow.
I am a great believer in routines and rituals, and find their rhythm and consistency soothing. Certain things I like to savor and enjoy over the weekends, baths, afternoons with time to sit with a book and a pot of tea, meal planning, re setting the laundry knowing I'm completely up to date, clean, dry, folded, ironed, fresh sheets and towels, school uniforms ready and outfits and workout gear ready.
Mid week its easy to get caught up- especially I find in the winter, where with shorter days, it hard not to feel you are constantly racing, trying to beat the clock, and often longing to either have a few more moments in bed or to climb back in at night as its so dark and cold outside at both ends of the day! I find my daily afternoon walks help considerably with this, and I regularly refer to them as my mental heath moments- my morning workouts are for my bodies fitness, the afternoons are food for the soul, head space, and mindful resets.
One afternoon this week I came in from one such walk and instantly felt the pressure of all the to dos left for that evening. I paused, tried to conjure the feeling of time and space I absorbed on my walks, and rather than racing through dinner preparation and multitasking, I put on some Frank Sinatra, lit a candle, and within a very short space of time, found myself dancing and twirling around wielding my bag of spinach or wooden spoon as I danced and hummed my way through cooking the family meal. It took me no longer, but was so much more pleasurable. A lighthearted literal spring in my step- energized from fresh air and upbeat classic crooning. I highly recommend you try!
Its incredible how music can determine a mood and penetrate our thoughts and feelings. Just as now the gentle whirr of my laptop and the tippytap of my key board is accompanied by my peaceful piano. Signaling that after my writing time, I will make a peppermint tea, and re join the family by the crackling fire before climbing into my cosy bed, with our Saturday to look forward to.
This week I have also consciously tried to go to sleep with a lovely positive thought in my head, then as soon as I've woken in the morning ready to start my day (with or without the aid of my alarm) I've encouraged myself to remember that thought. I am a morning person anyway, but to mindfully start your day with gratitude and a positive happy thought really does help set a tone for the day. To the point where though out the day if things get a little frayed, its easier and quicker to swiftly bring yourself back to a place of positivity and gratitude. Try it! It can be something tiny and very simple and sweet, as long as it resonates with you and makes you feel a warm inner glow or turns your mouth up at the corners- it'll do the job perfectly.
Contentment is within us and how we choose to navigate our everyday.
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