“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
Are you suffering from Broken Robot Syndrome? If so, I have some ideas to help you heal, and to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Life doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. In fact, most of the things that I enjoy cost little or nothing. Down here at my farm I don’t need to look far to indulge in some of life’s simple pleasures. A glass of fresh orange juice from fruit grown in our orchard, or a simple salad with ingredients straight from the garden.
A long hot bath after I’m tired and muddy from a ramble through the paddocks.
Fresh flowers – from a friend’s garden or my own – in jars, old vases and teapots around the house. These ones are actually weeds and vegetables gone to seed…
Lying in bed on Sunday morning, leafing through one of my seed catalogues, dreaming about what I will plant for the next season’s harvest.
The feel of soft green grass beneath my feet as I sit on a lawn chair under a leafy tree, throwing the ball for the dogs to chase.
Sitting on the veranda having cups of tea with friends.
Time with a needlepoint project. (Have you signed up for my 2013 Creative Challenge yet?)
Listening to a favourite CD as I do the washing up.
A really good coffee and time for writing. Okay, I admit that empty plate did have a fantastic Chausson aux Pommes on it from one of my favourite French Patisseries at one stage…
Watching the new calf frolicking.
The main ingredients for simple pleasures are these: Slowing down, Awareness and Appreciation. You might be surrounded by things that could give you pleasure but you won’t notice them if you’re always working, worrying, constantly updating your status on facebook, tweeting, texting, surfing the web, or ear glued to the phone.
Today and in the week ahead I invite you to take a deep breathe, slow down, unplug and pay attention to the world around you. What nurtures you? What feeds your soul? What can you do to bring these simple pleasures back into your life.
Feel free to leave your ideas for simple pleasures below, where it can inspire and nurture others here in our community too. Wishing you some simple pleasures today, Nicole xx
Perfume is my simple pleasure. I have a fairly sizable (read almost embarrassing!) collection, and when I am in need of a recharge, spritz of my favorite ones never fails to lift my mood.
I also like to indulge in very well made pastries 🙂
This post made my heart happy! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂
Watching the birds eat at the feeder in winter, all puffed out to stay warm. The crisp, cold air on my face and the sweet smell of it as I breathe deeply, the crunch of snow under my boot, the excitement of my dog running free, picking up a scent, tail high, nose to the ground and the beautiful sunrise, glowing pink and orange in the sky with the promise of a new day ahead.
Such a great reminder, THANK YOU!
me the goddess of small things, i have max my moodle guru to guide me! haha! sx
Yay Max!!! Aren’t dogs the best!!!!!!! xoxo
Spot on!
I know you already have this one nailed, Julie xx
Bird song – magpies warbling on our roof yesterday morning was magical.
Maggies have a special place in my heart, Cherie. Lots of them here too. Bless xx
Taking my puppy outside for her last toilet break before bedtime. Everyone else is my house is asleep and the street is quiet and dark. Each night while I wait for my puppy, I stand still and look up at the stars and sense the enormity of the universe. If it’s cloudy I try to find the gentle movement of the clouds and follow them for a moment. It’s a favourite time each day – just me, my puppy and the enormous universe.
That painted such a moving picture for me, Samantha, and it took me back to my days in the Kimberley, when I lived on a million-acre cattle property. Sometimes I would go lie down in the middle of our road in the soft red dust at night-time, after our generator had been turned off for the night, and my pup would lie against me and I’d count shooting stars. Magical indeed.
*Loved* this post…and not surprising that I have been thinking along the same lines. Life is about the simple pleasures. One look at my dog napping in the sun is the perfect reminder for me. Lots of love-Julie
Dogs so get it, don’t they? {{{HUGS}}} to you, beautiful friend xx
This year is certainly one for getting well, being creative and enjoying each moment. Simple pleasures, and I am only allowing myself to check Facebook , Instagram and Draw Free twice a day once in the morning and once at night! Love your photos and was inspired by your blog! xx
Thank you. I hope you are putting the inspiration to good use. Much love xoxo
Looking at the beautiful flowers growing that have just popped up in Peggy’s garden
Flowers always make me smile!
Well what started out as my normal morning walk turned into something magical. I was walking along and noticed someone along the fence line of my neighbours and was ready to say my normal morning greeting. When I heard the very beautiful sound of a flute.It seemed I was not the only one enjoying this beautiful sound as I looked with amuzement at approx 30 stud Murry Grey cows looking on as a very captive audience. Turns out this lovely women was attending one of the Buddist retreats at the Atisha centre and wanted to practice without disturbing the group. I can not tell you how lovely it was to walk along this quiet country road with this beautiful music in the background. Have a lovely Sunday everyone xx
Oh Georgia, that brought a lump to my throat. Thank you so much for sharing this special moment. Hope you’re having a lovely Sunday too. 😀 xoxo
Beautiful. Thank you.
I sent this to my sister who just moved to Sweden and is having a hard time. We just spoke earlier about a few things in this blog. Its very touching, thank you again.
Love and Light,
Lauren
Waking up this morning, hearing the ocean waves and instead if rushing off to get a coffe and start my day, I’m actually going to take my coffee, sit on the sand dunes and stair into the waves. It’s finally sunny here at my place and no more rain!!! I just love the ocean, the sound if the waves and her majestic ways…blessings to you Nicoke, I love your blogs xxx
Apologies, I spelt your name wrong Nicole. My fingers were too quick to post xxx
Thank you, I had decided on a week of mindfulness as practise for life. Then, your message today?? Amazing, so it’s settled. Looking forward to the wonderful challenge,I have started already by sitting in my white fluffy soft bed writing this, cool breeze coming in my door, ( a true blessing in hot old Feb.) sunrise washing a over me, birds available for background music, otherwise silence. A cup of warm water with lemon frehly squeezed, a yoga mat rolled ready to throw on my floor, photos of loved ones, friends to see at a touch of my I Pad Many blessing to be mindful of. Happy Sunday everyone. Love to you all. Xx
Seems the Universe is coming through to you loud and clear, lovely Lynette!!! Bless xx
I love this! It’s something I’ve been mindful of in recent days – just slowing down to enjoy each moment. On Friday I was working in the library at my son’s school. It was cool, and I was the only one there, and I’d made a cup of tea. The warmth and homeliness of the tea was in stark contrast to the cool in the library, and the silence. It was a beautiful moment.
What a moment of grace, Meg. For me those small moments seem to slow down time somehow, and magnify every precious molecule in a way that seers it into your brain in the most electrifying detail. Love it!
Great post, Nic. Love the photos.
Thanks Bek! {{{HUGS}}} xx
Listening to the birds sing at 5.30am on a Sunday morning. I would prefer to be sleeping but baby human has other ideas! I suppose I can appreciate that too!
Baby human? They’re even cuter than puppies PLUS you can dress them up, teach them to talk, and they turn into real people!!! Enjoy this beautiful day. 😀 xx
Lol Kate yep I’m in the same position! The little (giant) leaps you see them make every day are a wonder <3