Savouring simple daily pleasures
A little extra post-
The very essence of this blog is about cultivating contentment, appreciating and taking time to notice the littlest of things and practicing our daily gratitude of these treasures.
I find myself unexpectedly home today, while I try to heal from a seasonal virus- the house is blissfully quiet after the bustle of herding the family out to work and school, the cats are puttering in and out, all the doors and windows are open allowing the fresh spring air to circulate, the dust motes to dance in the suns rays and the chirrups of the local birdlife (Especially vocal are the Tuis and Kingfishers today) to penetrate the only other sounds of a ticking clock, the gentle babble of our stream, and the distant sound of a dog barking, or rooster crowing.
I am sat with a favorite china cup and saucer and a comforting brew (T2 New York Breakfast) and while not feeling my best, the true feeling of peace and contentment and a deep appreciation of the sanctuary of my home fills my cup to overflowing.
The simplest of pleasures in watching the cats in the garden, feeling the delicious fresh breeze and knowing I have several hours in which to rest, steep in the wonderful feeling, and savour every moment of it, is equally as healing to me as the vibrant green juice I shall prepare later to ward off the bugs.
Granted, I am a true home body, so a day like this is always a treat and something to be grateful for in my book, but the principle can be applied to all of us. To seek out the beauty in our everydays, to enjoy the satisfaction of a fresh folded load of laundry, a task accomplished at work, a nutritious meal prepared and presented thoughtfully to those we share our lives with, a picturesque commute, the perfect coffee, a hot shower after a long day, the fist dip in the ocean of the summer- or whiff of woodsmoke in the autumn, a favorite seasonal dish or vegetable, dining alfresco. The possibilities are endless, we just have to be conscious to notice them, appreciate them, exercise gratitude, and not take these life moments for granted. Its these moments that make up our lives- the more joy we can find in them, the more joyous and contented we become.
If we are to look at the dictionary definition of contentment- depending on the search engine, a few possibilities are presented-
"A state of being in which one is satisfied with their current life situation, and the state of affairs in ones life as they presently are."
"Happiness and satisfaction, often because you have everything you need."
A spiritual take is "The acceptance of things as they are as the wise and loving providence of a God who knows what is good for us, who so loves us as always to seek our good"
Even if faith is not a part of your life- "seeking our good " and that of our surroundings and those we are surrounded by, can only be a positive thing, and a vital tool in mastering contentment.
"A state of happiness and satisfaction"
Synonyms are: Replete, ease, gladness, equanimity and peace.
We are- often unconsciously -bombarded throughout our days with being told and persuaded what we should need and want: That we are not enough, that our *** Insert here** isn't the latest, fastest, shiniest, slimmest, most fashionable, most current whatever it might be. If we were to channel that energy into appreciating and taking care of those things we do have, our lives would be so much richer for it- metaphorically and our bank accounts!
The space this day has afforded has already sparked inspiration for a further book idea, and instigated this extra post- I have a strong desire to do some organizing and sorting too but for now, its time to pop my screen away for a little while, hang another load of laundry out, and perhaps pick up my book or just sit outside and tip my face to the sun for a few moments. Being in nature has an incredible way of facilitating restoration. Always available and ever present.
No doubt a furry friend will come and keep me company too.
Have a wonderful week.
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