Simple Pleasures of Life
We live in such a fast-paced society — how often have I said that already this month — I often like to stop and smell the roses, as the proverb goes.
Although, while I’ve actually done that when I was attending university years ago (roses seem to grow really well in Berkeley), these days when I get a few moments in my busy life I am more likely to reflect on other simple pleasures.
Some Simple Pleasures of Life that May Not Be Obvious
- Modern Plumbing – I don’t know about you, but I know I never really appreciate the convenience of the modern bathroom until the toilet gets stopped up, or a drain doesn’t flow. I can’t imagine having to go do it in an outhouse, or worse yet, in a hole with leaves — ech! But really, what a treat it is to have running hot and cold water — it’s really like magic: move a lever, turn a knob, and clean, life-giving water comes out of the spigot. And, along the same lines, there is almost nothing quite as pleasurable as a nice hot shower on a wintry day to chase away the chill in the bones.
- Walking on the Beach – A weekday is best for this, but anyway, just being on the beach on a nice sunny day, barefoot, alone with your thoughts, with the sounds of waves crashing filling the salty-air with an all-encompassing roar to drown out city sounds, I find all the physical sensations to be soothing and calming. The rhythm of the waters seem to put me in tune with the planet, and my thoughts often wander into wonderment of the past as I look upon the sand and rocks, knowing that waves have been and will be pounding away over and over again, and in the grand scheme of things, we humans are just but a speck of sand. It’s really a perfect place to think.
- A Good Book – I’ve already expounded on why I think books will always be around, but I will still mention it in this list, because in such a gadget-heavy society, I still prefer reading a book in bed or my favorite chair, when the kids are asleep, and me and the honey are just working on our own stuff. And as such, that brings me to the next pleasure…
- The Library – I always thought it was cool in some of those computer games about world civilizations that building a Library was one of the “super” achievements that will raise your score — but actually, a library IS cool. We take it for granted in our society, but here is a place filled with tangible vessels of knowledge, entertainment and communication from people in the past. When I’m in a big library, I can sometimes feel the power of all that stored history — or maybe that was the air conditioning…
- Tea – For some it may be coffee, but for me, it’s tea. Sipping a hot cup of good tea allows me to pause what I’m typing, collect my thoughts and my breath, and warm up the insides. If it’s really cold, I can use both hands to hold the cup for a minute or two.
- A Good Chair – When I was growing up, my favorite chair was this green recliner (it was green, so my mom always had it covered with some cloth with a floral arrangement). These days, I have a black, faux leather recliner. What’s great about it is that recliners allow for complete support of my body, all the way up to my neck and head. And for someone who sits in front of the computer all day, I really can’t say enough about taking short breaks on a regular basis. Having a nice chair to go to is quite an enjoyable luxory — just don’t fall asleep!
Seeing Things Before the Goal
Oftentimes we have our eyes set on some prize that’s only attainable with a lot of hard work and dedication, and we always have to be in a hurry to accomplish these goals. But every now and then, it’s a good idea to pause and think about where we are, and what we already have in this world.
What kinds of simple pleasures do you enjoy?
Other posts you may enjoy:
- 5 More Simple Pleasures
- Are You Living a Perfect Life?
- A Simple Truth about Wealth
- The Best Times to Think
- 5 Simple Ways to Improve Critical Thinking Skills
Comments
10 Comments on Simple Pleasures of Life
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Barbara on
Mon, 28th Jan 2008 5:26 pm
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Barbara on
Mon, 28th Jan 2008 8:23 pm
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Nez on
Mon, 28th Jan 2008 10:00 pm
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CatherineL on
Tue, 29th Jan 2008 4:42 am
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Ian Denny on
Tue, 29th Jan 2008 4:55 am
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Nez on
Tue, 29th Jan 2008 10:59 am
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BP Kids on
Wed, 30th Jan 2008 12:49 pm
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Nez on
Wed, 30th Jan 2008 11:26 pm
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The Wonders of Bread | NezSez on
Wed, 5th Mar 2008 9:01 pm
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5 More Simple Pleasures | NezSez on
Sat, 26th Apr 2008 5:51 pm
Hello Nez,
My simple pleasures are a fresh cup of coffee, a beautiful home decorating picture book, quiet moments with my husband and watching snow fall (which we don’t get too much of) I also love the ocean, but only get to see it about once a year.
Like you, I, too am a blogger. Recently I have made it my mission to find new blogs to highlight on my “blogging blog”. I am attempting to help new blogs/blogger “get found”. My blogs have been online for 10 months and I credit my success to my loyal visitors/commenters. I think too many great blogs fail due to lack of readership and comments.
I linked to your site, via Problogger (a favorite site of mine), and after reading several of your posts, have decided to name you my “New Blog Of The Week”.
I leave a link to your blog in that position (top of my sidebar) for one week, then on the following Tuesday, I will put another new blog in that spot.
Hopefully you will have a chance to come by for a visit, and join in with my other commenters. I have a small community of great bloggers, and we visit each other
often…sharing words of encouragement and praise.
See you in blogosphere!
Nez,
I forgot to tell you, your blog will be showcased at the bottom of tomorrow’s post (Tuesday). I usually publish at about 12:05 a.m.
Hope you’ll have a chance to come by and say hi.
Hi Barbara,
Thank you so much for your comments and generosity. I’ll be sure to drop by.
Looking forward to tomorrow.
Hi Nez – I found you through Barbara’s new blog of the week recommendation.
This is a great post. It’s funny isn’t it – when we stop to think about the things we appreciate most, it’s often the small things.
I have to say books are at the top of my list. They’re still great value compared to other forms of entertainment.
Coffee – definitely, I’m ashamed to say I couldn’t function without it.
Walking – I don’t have a beach, but I have beautiful countryside right outside my door and if I walk up the hill behind the house, I can see for miles.
People – Nothing refreshes me more than getting myself out of the house. And I always make the effort to speak to people I don’t know. You can learn so much that way.
The Bath – a great place to think and relax.
Writing: It’s the cheapest hobby I’ve ever had and you can do it anywhere.
Electricity – My house is so dark year round, I’d be really stuck without it.
Hi Nez,
That’s a fantastic post. One that made me stop, put the kettle on and brew a cup of tea to feel a little of that warmth you managed to project.
This is indeed a worthy entry into Barbara’s hall of fame.
The simple things do become part of the furniture!
I’m shocked that Cath didn’t respond to your appreciation of modern plumbing. Perhaps she feels differently!
But the toilet is magical… Sorry I had to stop there from a bout of giggling.
Maybe that’s part of it’s magic? It conjures up a range of emotions. Such as fund and laughter via “Toilet humour”.
And we take it for granted so much. Sorry giggling again.
Back to toilets. Yes, it’s under-rated, it doesn’t get as much love as it deserves. Except after an over-indulgent evening out when you tend to hug it for hours as your best friend.
And they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder. When our toilet got sick recently, I REALLY missed it.
My simple pleasures? A hug.
@ Catherine: Thank you so much for the comment and for sharing your simple pleasures. Electricity is definitely another modern miracle — so much of our lives depends on it. I don’t think those early inventors who experimented with electricity could have ever imagined we’d be creating a vast virtual world over a century later — it’s the stuff of science fiction!
@ Ian: I’m glad you enjoyed the praise to the almighty porcelain god. I have to admit that sitting on the thing was where I thought up the idea for this post 
And yes, hugs.
I sincerely believe the world would be much improved if more people (societies, cultures, traditions, etc.) hugged to express love, sorrow, or just plain “I care about you”.
One of our simple pleasures is to sit out on the deck on a cool crisp evening when the sky is clear and star gaze. It makes you feel so small in the vastness, and you can’t help but speculate on what is out there. I also have to agree that plumbing and electricity are two things I would rather never be without.
BP Kids, you are right, stargazing is pretty cool — the only thing is here in San Francisco, we have way too much “light pollution” — we have to get out into the countryside to take in views like you mentioned.
Thank you for stopping by.
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