What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?
“For indeed, you act in this way with all the brothers in all of Macedonia. But we petition you, brothers, so that you may abound all the more, to choose work that allows you to be tranquil, and to carry out your business and to do your work with your own hands, just as we have instructed you,”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:10-11
In today’s writing, I am compelled to touch on simple living. The question of five everyday things that bring you happiness is beautiful, because it draws you to reflect on all of the good things you have been provided. Bearing this in mind, I intend to put forth a thoughtful presentation on my top five, though there are many more than that, and in no particular order.
Walking my Garden
I am, by no means, an extraordinary gardener. My collection of plants is small, consisting of predominantly ornamental shrubs, some fruit plants, and some vegetables. My joy comes not from the number of plants in my possession, but rather from the careful observation of each individual plant, the life cycles they experience, the shades of their leaves as they transition from one season to the next. They remind me of the complexity of all creation. The delicacy of each tiny vein, the transition from trunk, to branch, to leaf, and the variety of different shapes and textures each plant can have are all indicators of individual beauty.
“Walking is man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates
A walk in the garden has the added benefit of opening up the mind, allowing thoughts to flow freely. Great thinkers of our time have often been quoted for their good opinions on taking time to simply walk.
A Hot Shower
There are few things in life as refreshing as feeling hot, clean water on your skin. The warmth, the comfort that it brings as it rinses off the labor of the day, soothes the muscles, and relaxes the mind. Anecdotally, shower thoughts are often the best ones. They open you up to the entertaining and philosophical questions that we often don’t get contemplate in daily life.
A Good Book
A quality book, both in content, format, and design, is one of the great pleasures of my life. To simply step into a world, to mentally engage with it and stretch your creative perception is a magical, beautiful thing. Whether reading the poetry of the greats, a great fiction novel, or a philosophical masterwork, there is always something new and good to read.
A Moment of Silence
We neglect this practice more than any other, in daily life. Moments of silence or both beautiful and essential, and they are a skill that must be trained. To allow yourself to fully relax into your own thoughts, with no distractions, but pure, intentional focus. Stilling your mind allows the creative process to flow. It allows you to de-stimulate, something which we are woefully poor at doing. And in my personal experience, these times of silence enhance the joy of things that would otherwise distract us. They enhance our experiences through the power of deprivation.
The Gift of Company
I am a very introverted person. And yet, one of the simple joys in life is to simply have another person present. A friend, in silence, or quiet conversation, or a friendly competition, is a benefit to any man. The loneliness epidemic is certainly real, and I often find myself feeling isolated. So I often find myself incredibly grateful for the simple presence and conversation with my wife, or with my family. As much as I despise being out and about, I enjoy the quality time with them.
Summary
The nature of simple living is one that requires careful attention. A simple life cannot be rushed, it’s not a hurried, manic affair. It is antithetical to all the things that society treats as the standard. There is no rush to get from one thing to the next, it is a calm enjoyment and focus on that which is before you. It is measured, and beautiful, and elegant.
And if you have something you think I should add to my list, put it in a comment! Also, if you think anything I write would be of benefit to a loved one, make sure to share it. Thank you for reading, and as always, be blessed beyond measure.
Modern Survival Arkansas 