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.
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