Savouring simple daily pleasures
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.
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