Simple Sunday #6
Posted on October 05th, 2008 in Happiness, Simple Living
To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter… to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring; these are some of the rewards of the simple life. —John Burroughs
What are the universal elements we can turn to and enjoy? I imagine most readers will find this quote hard to disagree with on any level, but let’s go a little deeper. How can we stay focused on these elemental pleasures in a world filled with distractions?
photo credit: atomicpuppy68
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This post has 13 comments
October 5th, 2008
How can we focus on these elemental pleasures?
Sara, I am not joking here but going from 2 income family to a single income family with two kids has really forced me to explore the simple joys of life. As a family, we have really started to enjoy hiking, picnic in the parks and stargazing with our two year old on her cranky nights.
The formula for me seems to be:
1. Financial constraints - Create artificial constraints (put more away in the bank) if you do not have real ones.
2. More time - go for smaller home and lesser stuff so all your time is not lost in cleaning and maintaining your home and your stuff. Having some time = less stress = better choices.
I do miss my “retail therapy” every so often though!
Mayas last blog post..The key to happiness and balance is right with you, just learn to use it - Part 1 of the thinkmaya framework
October 5th, 2008
I read this post this morning and did not immediately feel like I had anything worthwhile to say in the comments. But the idea has remained with me throughout the day and I was inspired to come back and leave a few simple thoughts.
For me, the secret to remaining open to the joys proffered by the universal elements is to maintain an aspect of “thankfulness” in my daily life. This is a personal thing for me and something which I am not sure I can adequately express. It is also something that I believe in but do not always practice to my satisfaction. But when it does happen it brings immediate joy and peace to the moment.
And it happens at simple times. In the summer, when I leave at the crack of dawn to drive into the city to train clients, and the sun is just peaking up above the horizon, I can see God in the morning vista and I’m thankful for the moment. When I take my dog out for a walk and suddenly become aware of the wind, warm or cold, brushing my skin, I am thankful. It often works this way. Small triggers, tendrils of the “universal elements” will set off a wave of thankfulness that helps balance out all the preoccupations.
I tend to take myself too seriously. These moments of thanks help me put myself back into perspective. Some things are important, other things just seem that way when you don’t take the time to stop and smell the roses.
Cheers,
Adam
Adams last blog post..Why do you fall off the wellness wagon? (And ideas about how not to…)
October 5th, 2008
When I moved from the busy city to the quiet country I had no choice but to focus on “elemental pleasures”. To stay focused on what really matters in life, remove those distractions which pull you away from a more serene life.
Growing a garden, planting apple trees, and visiting neighbors brings immense satisfaction in life. Television be gone, I have fresh vegetables to share.
October 5th, 2008
My husband and I have always lived below our means, partly to give us options in how we spend our time but also so we wouldn’t be distracted by stuff.
Some of my happiest memories are of the two of us shopping together every other day (now, after our daughter has grown up) and of when my daughter was little…we would do housework together then walk downtown to run errands. We would buy a bag of popcorn on the way home and share it. That was a gazillion years ago, but it’s still up there at the top of the list. I could go on and on.
I read posts on how we should dream, go out and do things so we won’t have regrets when we’re older. Well, I’m not sure what I’ve done is what they’re talking about, but I sure don’t have any regrets. I have wonderful memories.
Jean Browman–Cheerful Monks last blog post..Creating a Sacred Space
October 5th, 2008
Hi Sara - A window with a view would help. Mind you I don’t have a great view from my window, so I rely on pics instead. But just doing something as simple as going for a nice walk each day and appreciating your surroundings really helps - so long as you don’t live in a ghetto I guess.
October 5th, 2008
The moon and stars a huge source of inspiration for me. The moon is perfect to me… when it is different tints, when it is different sizes, when it has clouds in front of it, when it lights up a city, when it has a giat ring of light around it, and when it shows up in the middle of a blue sky.
I grew up near Aspen, CO and snowboarded a lot through out my childhood and teens. Riding down the mountain during a blizzard or on cold crisp day put me in such a different world and perspective. Nothing mattered up there on the mountain. I felt at one with nature as cheesy as that sounds.
I need to get that back in my life somehow. I work at grocery store right now and I can’t stand 8 hours of fluorescent lights and NO windows! Ahhh!
- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien
Simple Sapiens last blog post..7 Reasons To Turn Off Your TV
October 5th, 2008
Hi Sara. Awesome picture! I believe the way to stay focused on these simple pleasures is through simple appreciation of them and recognizing what feeds us.
Davinas last blog post..Creative Luny Landing In The Sand
October 5th, 2008
Maya: You’ve got firsthand experience! And I’m with you on the constraints. I’ve always found saving easy because I have all these imaginary bills in my head.
Adam: Hooray! My plan has worked: you thought about it all day! I love the moments you described; that was beautiful. It seems like we need quiet in order to open ourselves up to those chance moments.
Squawkfox: I love that your perspective is so authentic. And when your back’s against the wall, you’ve got no other option but to enjoy the feel of it, right?
Jean: Thanks for all the lovely comments you’ve been generous enough to share. Your perspective on living below your means sounds a lot like mine. It was first about options, but has grown to be the option I naturally prefer.
Cath: Yeah, access is probably a pretty key factor here.
Jack: I think “at one with nature” probably only sounds cheesy to those who haven’t experienced it. And by the way, forget the flourescents, it would drive me crazy to be surrounded by food all day!
Davina: Isn’t that picture cool? I’d agree: knowing ourselves is part of figuring which pleasures open our hearts up.
October 6th, 2008
As I walk to and fro with my girl on the way to school and back, I focus on the simple joy of noticing the greenery around whilst watching her skip and hop. Since I stay close to the national park, I go there sometimes to recharge!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..How Would You Cross The River?
October 6th, 2008
I like to see nature at work whether it’s ants hauling dirt or bees doing their thing with the flowers.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Nature vs Nurture?
October 6th, 2008
Evelyn: You’re close to a national park? How absolutely wonderful! Nature walks are also a great time to build vocabulary with the kiddos; what a cool habit you’ve created.
J.D.: Sorry to admit, I’m not down with the bugs. In my head, I know that bees pollinating flowers are awesome. In my gut, I’m freaked!
October 7th, 2008
Food, sex, drink, sleep. They’re simple pleasures! Delicious homemade dinners, prepared with love. Fun, feisty, tender or passionate sex helps make the world go round in the nicest of ways. An icy cold drink on a blazing hot day, a steaming mug of tea on a freezing evening … both are like nectar of the Gods at the right moment. Sinking slowly into a newly-fluffed pillow, pulling the covers up and tucking them under one’s chin, and snuggling down for long peaceful night, that’s bliss.
Nicolas last blog post..kkthompson on Sky Business News in Australia
October 7th, 2008
Nicola: Ah, you make a good point. Sometimes everyday pleasures become extraordinary when you get those wonderful contrasts: a hot drink on a cold night is one my favorite things about winter. That and snuggling under the covers!
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