Bird Flight

We spend most of our days consuming edible foods in life, but how often do we consume those that are truly delightful or nicely satisfying? What is delightful to one is not necessarily delightful to another, but when it is it brings a smile to our face, we feel more than just satiated. Of course I’m not writing strictly about food here, though of course that can play a part. What I’m mainly writing about are things that give us pleasure. Things that delight the senses in many ways, and therefore make us feel happy, even if for just moments. In the photo above you see a small chipmunk savoring some wineberries he discovered in the glorious months of summer. What a special treat!

Special events like mentioned above do not come every day. What CAN come every day, though, are simple pleasures. It is within our power to create these simple pleasures often, to keep us moving throughout the day and looking forward to the pleasures of the coming ones, as rewards or treats. Don’t use excuses for not having these pleasures. Actively plan them and enjoy them in the moment. It is your responsibility to give yourself such pleasures. You owe it to yourself. Demand it for yourself.

What a major pleasure is can really vary a lot

Mentioned above is the fact that what a major and simple pleasure varies by person.  If, for example, you were living in a country in the midst of a terrible war, a day of peace could be a major pleasure. Or if you lived in a country where water is scarce, not having to walk several miles one day to retrieve it could be cause for special celebration. In contrast, to another person a major pleasure might be a trip to France, or to another, a four-day camping trip in a park. Though the differences seem great, the delight and relief are similar in contrast to baseline feelings in recent life.

Simple pleasures may not vary quite as much from person to person

I believe simple pleasures are obtainable by most people on a frequent basis. I also think they don’t necessarily vary as much between a rich person and a poorer or sicker one. It is true that walking in nature to hear the birds sing might be easier for a person without certain disabilities, but listening to or singing music is possible for all. Moments of affection with a loved one is a wonderful simple pleasure most people can seek out. Staring up at a starry night and daydreaming is available to people everywhere.  There are many forms of artistic expression and meditation we can all add to our lives.

The possibilities for simple pleasures are numerous. I recommend you list them and refer to the list when you need to add them to your life. Really brainstorm! Here are just a handful of simple pleasures I can experience today.

• Read my book on Portugal, a country I enjoyed so much
• Eat lunch out on my deck and watch the hummingbirds (there are two girls and one boy). Also listen to the summer insects.
• Make a blueberry bread loaf
• Make myself a skim milk cappuccino as a treat after lunch
• Listen to some Leos Janacek music or dance to some Rock & Roll music
• Read people’s blog entries (Yes, I like to do that)
• Go to the grocery store and hopefully see Chris, a friend of mine who always gives me a hug
• Put on a pretty shirt with shorts and strut around like a fashion model
• Think about my upcoming hair appointment and how good I’ll look afterwards. The appointment itself can be an adventure.