“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
