Savoring simple daily pleasures
As I spoke about in the previous post, we are on the back of an exceptionally busy and full week, so I am bursting with gratitude that I am sat typing this in the warm sunshine, at a beach house, in shorts and bare feet! What a difference just a few days can make- my Thursday post was written cozied up in bed with a storm lashing!
Last evening sent winter off with a bang as another dramatic thunderstorm shook the house, and this morning we woke to a bright fresh spring day, with a warmth in the sun we haven't felt these past several winter months. Its off season here, so we are enjoying total peace and relaxation, with the feeling of tranquility washing over us. Its not yet even 24 hours since we arrived and we all feel like we have enjoyed a true mini holiday already- our toes are thawed from the cold that's now past, the doors and windows are thrown open, alfresco dining and even a new bottle of sun lotion purchased.
Its father's day here, paired with the first day of Spring, but long before our girls surfaced for the day, my husband and I watched the dawn over coffee/ hot lemon water, and headed up the 'Mountain" to watch the spring unfold from this majestic vantage point.
The scale of the horizon and the unimaginable beauty were truly awe inspiring- and after this crazy, fraught, week, the sights and smells and sounds melted it all away. Just the two of us, feeling the warmth of those first spring rays, trekking up a reasonably challenging hill, and the knowledge we had the whole day- and part of tomorrow, stretching out before us was like a balm to the soul. We ended up taking the scenic route back down- taking far longer than we anticipated and involving a fair amount of scrambling and the final stretch across the rocks at sea level, to meet our two daughters for coffee. What a perfect way to celebrate such an incredible father - and husband- in such an unrushed way that we were able to really savor, and soak up and deeply appreciate it. The offset of the busyness of the previous week made it all the more special and treasured.
It is so important we remind our selves regularly that happiness is only an exterior thing- that we certainly can enjoy- often fleetingly but hopefully frequently, but contentment is from within. We can choose to be content each and every day. It has no strict permeameters, relays on no other body or soul, and is entirely up to us as individuals to tune in, nurture, and practice contentment each day. Easier on a blissful day such as this, less so racing round against the clock in the driving rain and cold, with a stressful work week trying to drain you and suck the positivity and the core of our contentment.
But its always there, however the practice of tuning into it multiple times a day is something we need to be reminded of. To actively choose to rewire our brines, form these new pathways and keep retreading them so that they are so familiar to us we need less of a push to frequent them regularly; the practice becomes something we do several times a day- not quite sub consciously, as its vital to keep present and mindful of this feeling, but that it becomes so natural to look for the good, appreciate what we have, and be in the present- second nature.
This ties in to the acceptance of our limitations and knowing and understanding our own limits- this week I wasn't kind to myself, and I knew better than to over commit to that extent. We need to get to know ourselves equally on this journey of contentment and peace, as part of being able to live a contented life is about a deep understanding of ourselves, who we are, what makes us tick, what we need to flourish and how best to carry ourselves through this life, in a kind and gentle way - we are the only beings capable of bringing contentment to ourselves- no one else can provide that. I'm now in my mid 40's and I think I'm only just starting to really know and begin to deeply understand myself- and have the confidence to allow my inner voice to be head when its required. To do that is brave, its brave to make yourself venerable while equally standing your ground. Its challenging to go against the grain- but if that's how you truly feel, and what you deeply believe is right for you- don't be drowned out.
So, this daily practice has to be completely individual to you. And it will change and evolve and keep re shaping as we learn and grow and age. Its never a done deal. Its a habit, a healthy habit to carry with us for our entire life. And its never too late to take it up.
With that, I'm going to wander down to the estuary now the tide has come in again, to watch the sea birds and my family frolic on the waves.
Till next time.
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