Savouring Simple Daily Pleasures

Staying present and reminders to do so, and practicing doing so every day, has been a lesson that has continued to show up and tap me on the shoulder multiple times a day whilst here in the tropical paradise. The trick is to harness that in our daily lives.

In a continuation of the previous post, the extract just below from "The Paris Gown" resonated with me. 

Isn't it interesting how an experience or comment, book or article can highlight a particular something for you, which then seems to keep presenting itself frequently, reoccurring even if that something had never even been in your periphery before. The universe keeps whispering and nudging until you take notice and potentially take action. 

" A way of letting worries fall away by living in the present. Worry was about the future after all.....

In this moment what do you see?

In this moment what do you hear?

In this moment what do you feel?"

If we use these prompts, it encourages our minds to stay in that presence as what we are asking of them is to stop, observe and acknowledge what our senses are receiving that very moment.

Right at this very moment, if I were to answer those questions it would be a delight- 

In this moment what do you see? The coconut trees fanning their long feathery leaves in the strong breeze, and the sea glinting with a strip of white sand, framing it in the lagoon.

In this moment what do you hear? The rustle of the trees in the warm breeze, the gentle wiring of the ceiling fan and the chirrups of the little birds - far off in the distance I can hear the housemaids calling to one another as they finish their daily room maintenance. 

In this moment what do you feel? The cooling air providing a welcome ripple over my sun scorched body, the crisp freshly made pillow behind my back and the warmth form the pillow on my lp upon whihc im resting my laptop to type. 

Now these responses are utterly dreamy, and while I am sooo very apreciateive and absolutley enraptured with these gloriously holiday ish and tropical island surroundings, a far more typcail day might look more like- 

In this moment what do you see? A pile of laundry in a wicker basket on the ottoman at the foor of our bed, the trees swaying in the garden below my window, one of the cats nestled in a tuffet of grass eagerly watching the birds he'll never catch.

In this moment what do you hear? I can hear the distant television downstaris where my daughter is sprallwed on the coach after school, I can hear objust being moved and aranged in the girls bathroom down the hall as the other daughter gets ready for her ballet class, then I hear a tiny little meow as our other cat comes in to find me, eaving her brother to his birdwatching. 

In this moment what do you feel?"  I feel the warmth retained in the clothing I'm folding from the sunshine, or the drier, i can feel the soft thinck spongy carpet under my bare toes, I feel the smoothness of the soft cotton, silk pajamas and the courseness of the denim jeans Im folding. then the softess furr as I bend to stroke my little girl. 

SO these are two VERY different environments- one that I encounter probably 350 days of the year. But the essence is to pause, and reflect, and notice these sensations, our immediate environment- its the pausing that allows the space to notice and there for one can only truly be present. 

I was so fortunate to take part in a breath workshop in the pool at 6am this monring. As the sun burst forth, shillouetting a group of "students" and a coach, taking us though breathing techniques, the science behind how our bodies use, need and circulate the air we breath in (and out, just as vital); we listened in awe as these techniques were explained and taught to us. 

It was meditation from a scientific standpoint I supose. What it highlighted for me intensly was that the power of the mind is incredible, and that we are capable of SOO much more than we think is possible. It also taught me that its ok to stumble- I panicked under water several times and came up for air sooner than instructed- but thats all part of the journey. Within 40 minutes - a miniscule amount of time in the scheeme of things, I went from holding my breath from 16 seconds to 50! The reason this is relevant to remaining present is, in an situation such as this breath class- when you are focused on holding your breath submerged in water - the moment you drift too far from the present, is the moment the overwhelming urge to take a breath envelops you. Sometimes we can over ride this by conciously retuning to the present, sometimes the urge wins and our heard bobs up to gasp. 

This is pretty close to how we react in our everydays- if we get so bogged down wth our minds racing, hyped on endless caffine, lists of tasks, worries, chores, meetings, emails to send, laundry to fold, bills to pay...fill in any other relevent blank that you see fit, its increasingly hard to remain present enough to notice, give thanks and savour all these precious moments that become our life story. 

 Savouring simple daily pleasures

As I type this I am sat poolside, post early morning swim, followed by leisurely breakfast, gazing at the sparkling turquoise waters of the pacific. 

I am fully aware that I am extremely privileged to be in this luxurious position, and am incredibly grateful for it- and to honor this very fortunate and blissful few days, I am endeavoring to stay fully present and notice and appreciate each detail. 

Our first evening, after an easy journey but long day, room service gently tapped at the door of our accommodation as we debated ordering in and listening to the waves lap the shore beneath us. The housemaid quietly attended to our room and bid us goodnight. She’d carefully placed slippers on a mat over the tiles by each side of our enormous bed, left fresh water bottles on each nightstand, dimmed the lights, closed the blinds, ensured there were ample supplies for coffee, or tea upon waking, and turned down the crisp white sheets ready for us to gratefully climb into. 

We woke early—with the Shutters and doors open throughout the night to receive the fresh morning—to the sounds of exotic birds, the gentle ticking of the fan overhead, and the surf hitting the shore. 

Such simple, yet thoughtful touches, made it such a relaxing pleasure to retire that night and slip into a deep, deep slumber. 

We can recreate this at home so easily, and for just a little forethought and just a few short minutes, we can conjure up luxury resort living in our everyday. 

In the evening I tend to take a shower or bath an hour or so after dinner- depending on our schedules- when I head upstairs, I turn on the soft lamps on our nightstands, remove the dress pillows on the bed, take out my silk eye mask and earplugs from the cabinet, and turn the duvet down. I’ll often light a candle as I get ready for bed, so the room has a delicate scent and a gentle ambient flickering glow. I have a carafe decanter and glass of fresh water ready to drink and always something to read. 

We attended a fascinating talk before dinner last night by Nam Baldwin, a world-renowned performance coach and speaker. He spoke on the subject of sleep, the science of sleep hygiene and good practices - and the knock-on effect- profound knock on effect, that sleep has on each of us.  Give yourself the best possible chance of a restorative and deep night's sleep by creating an environment that is conducive to that, that invites calm and peace Not too hot, not too cold, not too much light, no screens an hour before bed, deep breathing, daily exercise, a good clean diet, plenty of water, and a resounding gratefulness for everything you have already to appreciate and savor. 

On the first day here I devoured a paperback cover to cover- Christine Wells's The Paris Gown. 

In it was a sentiment shared by the characters that really spoke to me, and an idea I thought we could all even, apply to aspects of our days.  

As these three friends stand in front of DIOR in Paris, They make a rule that nothing negative must ever pass their lips in front of the Atelier. 

"A shrine at which the only acceptable offering was happiness"

What a lovely way to stay positive, and keep looking for all the plentiful elements of which we can acknowledge profound gratitude. Designing a space, or finding an existing sanctuary of sorts that can serve as your Dior. Where nothing negative can be spoken. And only positivity is sought.

Gratitude and being present: It's about finding all the tiny details, stopping to observe a moment, relishing the taste of something delectable on your tongue, and savoring.

 To put ourselves in the right mindset, it's important we take care of ourselves too, little details of care and thoughtfulness just for us, extended naturally to loved ones and friends, family and colleagues, acquaintances then indeed strangers. But do remember to fill your cup first- it's not selfish, you are unable to give to others if your well is empty, and you can only fill it sufficiently by practicing gratitude, self-care, and being thankful. 

A selection of little acts, moments or ponderings to bring joy and contentment  to our everydays- 

It was a  bright start to a beautiful new week- and a brand new school term here, on the downhill to summer;  so I thought it would be fun to do a little series- a simple pleasure to savour and enjoy every day, reminding us to find joy and contentment in the mundane, the unremarkable even. That much anticipated first sip of hot, strong coffee- stepping outside for the briefest of moments as the mornings sun burst into the horizon after heavy overnight rain. 

Today’s simple pleasure, take an early morning walk- regardless of the weather. If you get soaked you’ll feel refreshed, you may witness a glorious rainbow, you may tilt your face to the sun to feels it’s first rays, you may get blown about by gusty wind - but I promise, you’ll feel energised and all the better for a few deep breaths and a different perspective to begin your day.

Today’s simple pleasure- a pot of your favourite tea blend - loose leaf, naturally. With a little treat. A tea pot, and a pretty cup and saucer placed on an attractive little tray for one.  Sit quietly - cosy Indoors or enjoying nature, but with no distractions- and just be, for the length of time it takes to drink it….. or longer if you can. 

Give yourself the gift of an early night. Sleep is such a precious and overlooked essential to the wellbeing of our daily life and functioning healthy body and mind. We tend to sacrifice it all too easily- consciously or otherwise. Plan to eat a little earlier so the kitchen can be all clean and tidy ready for a relaxing evening. Snuggle into bed an hour early with a good book and maybe a purry, furry companion. Is there anything more soothing than the deep gratified rumble of a well loved cat? 

Eat with your eyes first. The simple little pleasure for Friday is to take the time to present your plate beautifully- just for you!   Simple touches and just a little extra care and time to make it look appetising and restaurant quality- yes, even just breakfast. Your bowl of granola with a delicate quenelle of Greek white thick yoghurt creaminess, scattered with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of nuts and seeds, thoughtfully arranged in a nice bowl, a napkin and your drink of choice. Cut your midday sandwich into triangles and arrange on a plate with micro greens, twirl your zucchini noodles or spaghetti into little towers at dinner, slice your apple and fan out onto a plate dusted with cinnamon.  Not only do these little touches look more appealing to eat, but you’ll find you savour what you’re eating more thoughtfully, and take a little more time to appreciate your nourishment. 

Show your vehicle a little time and appreciation- no matter if you rarely have passengers or if you regularly car pool- and no matter if your in the latest glossiest model or a 1982 Toyota without electric windows; getting into a clean, tidy and well maintained car sets a tone for the journey and is far more pleasurable to ride in. You have taken care to present yourself well and sport tidy neat clothing- extend that courtesy by sliding into a drivers seat free of crumbs, discarded wrappers, day old coffee cups and one armed sunglasses nestling in a bed of gas station receipts. Granted: when my children were very young this was an uphill battle ( against the sticky raisins!) but these days, maintaining a neat car that looks and smells fresh takes very little time. Removing any rubbish and extra items as you leave each time, and keeping just essentials at the ready. For me this is just sunglasses, lip balm ( not in the height of summer or you’ll have a greasy puddle) tissues, a reusable canvas shopping bag, phone charger, sanitizer, a small first aide kit and a small notepad and pencil ( a pencil won’t leak) Perhaps in the summer I’ll have a visor to keep the window shaded, or you may require snow chains or to carry an emergency pack of sorts. But keep whatever you require orderly and update regularly for a clutter free, pleasant and elevated travel experience- wherever you might be headed. 

And to finish up - visit far flung destinations and travel the world; explore without leaving home! 

The reel shared on instagram was one of my most favourite and idyllic walks I enjoy as frequently as possible- but when I am home, either on a very rainy day, or a dark wintry morning, or when I want a run which doesn’t involve a hill - I thoroughly enjoy a YouTube Chanel called VRA ( virtual running adventures). This week I have run around the exquisitely beautiful Lake Como in Italy, a wooded path in Switzerland, and just this morning, along a familiar track by the river Froome not far from where I grew up in England.  I am a firm advocate for fresh air and getting outdoors- but when needs must, to feel a sense of travel and experience these places just through my screen while on my treadmill- either quietly listening to the sounds of the YouTubers footfalls and background noises, ( one reason I enjoy VRA is there’s little or no music- just real time sounds) or plugging into some upbeat running music on my AirPods is quite a fun substitute. Even if you don’t have a treadmill, or the urge to run- YouTube provides a myriad of Channels offering walking tours, or scenic scapes and vistas all over the world- from the Vatican to NYC, Swiss alps to lake Wanaka or Bangkok!  Take a little detour next time you feel the urge, and ‘go’ somewhere you’ve never been- or revisit an old favourite. 

 Savoring Simple daily pleasures

Listening to the cues and observing the little signs and gentle nudges of encouragement seem to come more readily and easily when we step out of the hustle of our regular daily lives. 

We have just returned from a few magical days away (I almost wrote escape but I don't wish to escape my home and daily life here as I genuinely love my life, my home, and my pets and feel so grateful for it all) 

As a family we all noticed and discussed at various intervals how refreshing it was to wake up and feel the day deliciously expand before you, and how all the tasks- however menial- that would build at home creating a feeling of pressure and obligation, were so much more inconsequential at the beach. It wasn't that they didn't happen- we still prepared food, did the dishes, I did laundry and general light housework, but nothing felt like an effort or a chore. It helped considerable that we were fortunate with the weather and experienced a wonderful warm summery few days, and that our clocks have recently changed making the evenings seem so much longer and more relaxed. 

After dinner every evening we'd wander down to the wharf to watch the sun set, some would ride bikes, some slowly amble, but dishes could wait, to do lists weren't written, and there was no nagging feeling of...."I ought to....."

The bird species down there are not really any different from here at home- other than some of the coastal birds, but I felt on several occasions my little feathered friends were trying to give me a message. 

One of my favorite birds is the common Thrush; this speckle breasted confident little fellow kept a beady eye on my while poking holes in the lawn as I sat on the porch observing. He patiently waiting for the shadows to grow longer during the day in order to feast. He was so close, yes not shy one bit. (Masterfully difficulty to capture in a photograph sadly!) 

His companion the Tui sang it song even more beautifully than they seem to sound at home, the clarity and purity of the call utterly transfixing. Willing me to stay, take a moment to listen. why rush off? What's so important? 

On our last morning I went for a run, my loop took me up along the dunes for a little way, where a very confident and very vocal tiny little fan tail made friends. I'd paused to soak in the mornings rays and watch the dog walers and their happy pooches on the beach just below when I notices him flitting and chirruping out of the corner of my eye- I smiled and observed him- hardly daring to move as he was SO close...I finally reached for my phone to try to get a picture or even a little video of the energetic little chap (Or Chapess) and he stayed close as I did, not flitting away, just turning this way and that, fanning out his tail as his name suggests- beady black eyes never leaving my face. I slowly began to walk along ready to re start my run, and he flittered along with me- right at my heels - occasionally rising up a meter or two then back to the sandy grass. He must have kept me company for a good 2-300M - so close I could have almost reached out to touch him. I imagined doing so - running a gentle finger delicately over the tiny soft feathers of his perfect miniscule head. Eventually, he carried on his way as I did mine- having got a grainy, poorly lit snippet of video of him. 

It was such a poignant moment- although essentially such a common scene. But I really felt I was being encouraged to remain present, savour these little moments. 

This little exchange of something so ordinary on the surface, so everyday to a passerby- a common garden bird, Thrush or fantail, Black bird or little Sparrow, an interaction that would go largely unnoticed, became special and treasure to me.  A result, perhaps, I like to think of my gratitude and appreciation of the little things, the mundane even, put me in a space and mind frame where I was open to receive. Allowing opportunities and lessons to present themselves. 

Its so, so easy to return to our normal lives and allow ourselves to get caught up again in the hustle, lists and jobs and errands and schedules. And while these are in the most part unavoidable, we can be mindful to not let them rule and dictate too much, to pause to savour those little magical moments. Its too easy to race though a day and collapse exhausted at 9pm with a cup of peppermint tea, having ticked everything off the list but exhausted and possibly not done single thing to bring your pure simple joy.

Ways I like to very gently stay present at appreciate a little moment, are things such as:

* Stepping outside, however briefly, with my coffee to take a deep inhale of its aroma and savour the first hot, strong, sip.

* Pausing to take in the scent of a bloom as I pass- the scent of all the citrus blossom at the beach was intoxicating.

* Running my hand over the smooth, still warm pile of clean, folded laundry

* Deeply smelling the punnet of strawberries before I rinse and prepare them

* Climbing into my cool, freshly made bed after a hot bath

*Closing the cover of the book I've just finished reading and taking a moment to let the ending sit with me. Allowing the satisfaction settle.

* Giving my cats love and cuddles first thing then standing a little way away watching them tuck into their breakfast with gusto.

* Watching the native birds go about their days

* The lazy buzz of a pollen laden bee

* Stopping what I'm currently engaged in and taking a moment to welcome a family member home after their day with a greeting and a hug or kiss

* Reminding myself that so much of the daily things we fret and become anxious about are really unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Take a few long deep breaths and pause.

* Feeling the pillowy roundedness of the ball of pizza dough you set out to prove this morning

* Taking a moment to a chat and share a greeting with an elderly neighbor

* Gardening is an amazing way to keep present, as its every changing so you have to consciously observe and be involved in each stage- seed, to seedling, to young plant to harvest. 

Weather is another element I like to take my Cues from- and while I never shy away from a rainy wet walk, each weatherly temperament encourages you to follow a different path- and mood, and pace.  A bush trail in the baking summer heat with the heady scent of the pines feels very different in a rain storm with each needle ready to release its crystal jewel, and the leaf litter squishing under your feet. 

I took one of my favorite walks at the beach this past week on two separate days, and marveled at how different it smelled in early spring, with strong wind buffeting me along and the branches cracking and creaking and wildly swaying overhead. the second time I enjoyed the company of my daughter, barely a breath of wind by comparison, and a sea bird perched on a bridge watching us intently as we passed. 

So, while this weekend approaches, and on the other side of it Term 4 begins in all is crazy, busy, glittery, Christmassy, glory- I am doing my best to remain present, harness the mindfulness and ease of the beach, do something every day which brings me joy- however simple, and keep a balanced, calm head on my shoulders. 

Try not to focus your precious energy on things that don't hold significant importance in your life. 

Those little birds, I'm convinced, were trying to teach me something. Encouraging me and cheering me on. 

Home now, and while I have been fairly productive today, the To Do list I ambitiously drew up at the very start of the holidays remains largely un ticked  pinned to the fridge, but do you know what? Thats ok. None of those chores or jobs are life changing, none are vital, and most would have gone un noticed any way. But I have managed to read a few books, write lots, am energized and inspired for my writing and my blog with ideas developing faster than I can note them down, I've taken SOOOO many photographs, enjoyed beautiful walks, started running in earnest; And as the Rain started to fall as we packed the last few items into the car ready to leave the beach yesterday, I felt deeply satisfied, totally calmed, and utterly at peace.  

It was the magic of the beach, the slow rhythmic crashing of the waves, and the inevitable rising and setting of the sun in such a big sky that re set my personal speed, fine-tuned my compass, and firmly showed me the way to stay on my course, of my life's journey.  And to feel excited for all that's to come!

Savoring simple daily pleasures 

Firstly, a long awaited seasonal switch in my wardrobe: 

As we great up for a seasonal change- in our case here in the southern hemisphere- much awaited Spring, we start to become enthusiastic and very ready for a change in the clothes which have been keeping us warm and protecting us from the elements these past wintry months. 

Today, it is so warm I have been sat in the glorious sun with my book for a mid afternoon respite- a very rare thing indeed- and in our little sheltered spot those suns rays felt far more intense that early spring I can tell you!

So it was with delight and much anticipation I finally felt I had the time and was recovered sufficiently from my horrid flu, to invest a few solid hours and bring out the forgotten summer favorites, carefully pack away my winter woolens, and edit a fair amount along the way to donate. 

I had such a streamline clear vision in my head of what I didn't need, what I was looking forward to wearing again, items that didn't serve me this past season or didn't fit well, or some which had just been worn and worn so had passed their prime. The reality is though, when you take down those storage boxes- or whatever system you use to store your off season garments, its actually quite a challenge to be ruthless and cull items you still actually like but that fit into the afore mentioned categories. 

I particularly struggle with:

*Items from brands no long in business, therefore irreplaceable as such

*Items I purchased majorly discounted, or pre loved even, that would normally be beyond my budget

*Items of high quality that no longer fit me

*Items I like and appreciate but are not my true style

*Items I love but have worn so much they no longer look their best- like my wool/cashmere sweater dress with hefty pilling. 

*Items I was gifted which aren't quite right but I have attached an emotion or sense of guilt to them

*Items that hold fond memories

These areas can be quite challenging to be ruthless in!

However, each time I go through this process- Bi-annually for the major changeovers and regularly between those time to sort, remove items, or repair any that can be fixed- I hone in on my true personal style just a little bit more, each time getting closer and closer to the aha moment. 

In reality, its unlikely I will ever reach that sweet spot entirely as we evolve and change, lifestyles adapt and alter, employment, children, weight fluctuations, climate changes, our ideal wardrobe shift and morphs with us. But we can certainly be truer to our personal style, learn what suits us and what's is comfortable and what we can look our personal best in. 

So, I haven't paired it back as much as I'd dreamed up- I do have 4 full boxes and 2 bags for donations though- but I am happy with the 'cuts' and choices I've made. I have no regrets (thus far) about the items no longer in my wardrobe; its looking more streamline and I have a clear idea of my inventory.  I hang almost all my garments, so I tend to group similar items together and hang them in a color graduated spectrum- so Lights to darks, tee shirts, then button up shirts, then light sweaters etc, all my dresses in one area, light to dark, blazers and jackets in another. 

I feel there is still plenty of room for improvement, but I have plenty- more than enough, and for a no buy year its really quite eye opening that there have been very few genuine gaps and true needs. Many, many wants and desires but that's a different thing entirely.  

12 weeks left to go......  But honestly- I could have been far more vigilant, (I admit to a few slip ups and indiscretions along the way...) there is nothing I am desperately hanging out to purchase or any great obvious gaps in my closet. I am truly grateful for the plentiful clothes I do have- for every season- options, variety, styles - and I love everything I have wholeheartedly. Lucky me!

The biggest lesson I think I have taken this time around, from this wardrobe curating session, is that simple if often best, less is almost always more, and simple tones and hues within your unique and ideal color palette can be brought together with beautiful quality well-made pieces, paired with much more affordable and less well constructed items. Its about how you pull them together- a high-end cashmere sweater over a well-constructed pleated skirt, but the belt that pulls the outfit together was a $1 find from a secondhand store- or an inexpensive dupe from a dollar store or online. 

Quiet luxury is just that. Quite, subtle and understated. 

For the second part of this post, and on another topic almost entirely - although we can pull from the sentiment for our wardrobe cultivation: I would like to talk about our own personal life paths. 

How we create these pathways and build our own reality really does start within our own minds. In a private space, our thoughts eventually create neurological pathways over time, creating our beliefs, and if we keep strengthening those beliefs, they can, and most often do, become our reality. 

When thinking about the chain reaction in such a basic way, if you will, all of a sudden a new focus seems to take shape, a sense of control and ownership of our direction. 

Now, these paths are wont to wind and fork and forge new tracks we didn't know or even didn't want to know were there. This analogy came to me on a recent walk after heavy rains- I had been moaning to a friend about not feeling up to tackling my to do list with the vigor I am accustomed to having been under the weather, and she gave me some sound advice indeed which brought a new perspective. In essence, what she said was, do what bring you joy, don't feel obliged to tick off the list of chores that will largely go unnoticed by your family: in 5 years time, will I be happy I poured my energies into my writing and other passions, time for myself, walks and enjoyable tasks, or that I dusted my skirting boards? 

Needless to say, I am not going to turn into a slovenly house keeper- nor may I add is she with a spotless beautiful home- but it doesn't do well to get hung up on a list, to be so inflexible you forget to enjoy what makes you happy too- sometimes its more healthy to let things go a little from such a tight rein, only see to your obligations of the upmost importance that day, take the sense of  duty away and allow things to unfold a little more organically. We cant live our everydays in this floaty way, but its rather lovely to allow it to happen every so often when there are no dire consequences, and we can be spontaneous, allow ourselves to be gently led by our inner voice and the universe whispering to us. 

As I walked along pondering this concept, with my half accomplished to do list lying on the kitchen bench at home, I observed the rivulets the rains had made, carving into the mud and though the banks, and verges,  re distributing the fallen leaves, and most notably, finding a new channel,  completely bypassing the huge and vastly expensive storm water drains that were installed a few years ago at great inconvenience and disruption to the local residents! It found its own path, despite the groundwork, expense and planning- nature, and time, changed the course of the water. 

We can choose to change the course of our thoughts, and thus form new neural pathways, fortify our new beliefs until we create our new reality. 

It just takes a little commitment to uncommit. To make the space to stand back and allow things to unfold a little, giving us the opportunity to spark new thoughts and ideas without stifling them. 

See if you can let a new channel of thought or inspiration find its own pathway, follow it, and see where it might lead you. Be brave.