Savoring Simple Everyday Pleasures
On my afternoon walk yesterday, following mowing lawns and before hosting book club, I was taken aback a new as to how fortunate and thus grateful I am to live where I do, and have trails such as the one I was walking along, literally on my doorstep.
It was a warm Wednesday, but before schools and universities start their academic year and when many people are on holiday or taking annual summer leave, so I passed many people who were fairly apparently not locals per se.
While I consciously observe and appreciate the big expanses of sea, sky and native bush, along with the tiny details of an unfurling leaf, an iridescent beetle, the bird song- each and every time I am enjoying one of my daily walks- I rarely look upon them these days from an 'outsiders' view. Yes from a place of wonder but not always from a place of obvious privilege.
With everything going on in the world and on the news sometimes its hard to refocus on our immediate environment. Some of these fellow walkers were holiday makers and tourists from around the globe, some were perhaps from just across town, but few were in the fortunate position I was in that I walked from my home, within 10 minutes of my front door I am at the beginning of this native bush track up to an incredible series of viewpoints overlooking the Manukau heads, local beaches and ooodles of pristine native bush.
I came across a term while listening to a podcast recently (Stories form the village of nothing much)
The word Sonder, which was coined by the author and neologist John Koenig in his work, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. Described as follows: Sonder, noun, the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own, populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries, and inherited craziness, an epic story that continues invisibly around you, like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you'll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.
The word and its meaning resonated with me as I observed these people, all walking the same trail but all with different life stories- most, if not all of which, I will never know and possibly never cross paths with again. Something about that realization- which is not a revelation as such, and an everyday occurrence for the majority of us, just gave me pause to think. To step back and see what I am so blessed with and have already in my life, and to allow enough space in my mind to re balance and reevaluate the few niggles and worries and outside stressors that have been building and resurfacing of late.
As the summer days draw nearer the start of the new academic year, signaling getting back into our busy everyday routines and lives and schedules and work patterns sooner than we'd perhaps like, it is prudent to remind ourselves to be thankful for everything that is going well, what's right, what we have in abundance, friendships, loves, food in the fridge, a home, a job, the sun is shining, whatever it may be that you can use as an anchor- to realize that to these passers by, whom all have their own stories, and that we are in our own, and we can make it what we want it to be. Take a moment, or several, even note down if it helps- what is making you feel stressed, anxious or over committed. Be really honest with yourself and once you can see this "list" you can start shaping and forming it in to how you would prefer it to look- how you would like to feel. Imagine yourself waking to the realization that you are in control of these outward stress factors, and that your actions and mindset directly change, challenge or mould how your day will unfold. Granted there are always external events or pressures or situations we are not fully in control of - but what we can do is control our response to them. Have a plan, a mantra or a ritual that helps you achieve this in micro ways each and every day, in turn, allowing the bigger dreams and aspirations to develop and breathe and have room to grow.
Step fully into your own life, allow yourself to let go of what doesn't serve your dreams, and channel your positive energies into leading a healthful life, making deep personal connections, and feeling true contentment in your everydays. This needn't be grand or complex. Its about being true to who you are and aspiring to fulfil your potential and savor the life you have been given to its fullest.
Dare to dream, then put measures and systems in place to help you realistically achieve those hopes and dreams.
There are another 11 or so months of this year, so this morning I sat with my coffee and my new diary, and as I entered various events, holidays and commitments, I was mindful of the full potential simmering away ready for its chance- its outlet, as soon as I was able to focus on what it was I truly wanted it to look like, how I am hoping to feel as this new year comes to a close come December. What will I regret not having embarked upon or given my full attention too. What might I feel frustrated with myself about. What do I value most and what is important to me.
It won't land in our laps, and it won't necessarily be easy- most good things require hard work and are worth working for. This may in turn require some sacrifices, letting go, re allocating your time or even finances to get closer to achieving your goal. One thing is for sure- not much will change unless you point yourself in the right direction and take the next best step.
Now is the perfect opportunity and timing to cast your dreams into the universe, and see what magic comes back to you.
