12:43 p.m. - 2009-01-16
Less IS More.
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I decided that it would be worthwhile, at least for me, to revisit some of those early January essays in Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathmach. I opened the book to today's date and this is what I read.
"Tis a gift to be simple, Tis a gift to be free, Tis a gift to come down, Where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place that's right - 'Twill be in the valley of love and delight. "
..........Nineteenth Century Shaker Hymn.
The essay goes on to say that when we take stock of our lives and let gratitude for what we already have transform our thoughts, that we often feel the urge to pare down, clear out the clutter and simplify our surroundings. We appreciate how much we have, we want to get back to the basics and we learn what is essential for our happiness.
Many people think simplicity means going without. True simplicity is a conscious life choice to illuminate our lives. True simplicity is bountiful, liberates depressed spirits from bondage and burdens of excess. True simplicity can elevate ordinary moments, dreary lives.
I am not saying that most of us haven't been suffering with the change in our world, our economy, our job status, family matters, illnesses and all those other things that seem to get in our way when we are trying to find our place in this world. But, as many of us realize...when we simplify what we think we need, we soon learn that we are happy without all the extra stuff. And sometimes, we are happier with less.
Less can mean more for most of us. Today... just look outside and find something to enjoy. I have about 16 inches of clean, fresh, brilliant white snow piled all around my home. The sun is bright and shining, the sky is a gorgeous blue and there is not a cloud in the sky....at the moment. It is a crisp 4 degrees too. There are very few cars on the road so the peacefulness and serenity of the neighborhood is lovely. Schools are closed and the children are inside staying warm.
So, if snow doesn't make you happy, how about this? Visualize a bouquet of bright yellow daffodils in a white milk jug on a pine table, with warm sunlight streaming through a sparkling clean window. Or the glow of a lovely, fragrant candle casting flickering shadows in your room....the scent making you feel warm and cozy and serene.
Trust that through simple pleasures, your frazzled and uptight body and soul can discover the place you want to be. Every day offers us simple gifts when we are willing to search our hearts for what we need.
Simple things to enjoy... the beauty of your pets, the aroma of soup on the stove, the quietness of a candle burning, the smell of cookies baking in the oven, the enjoyment of a good book, music playing, the giggles of your children playing together, the sound of your loved ones' voices.....
So...besides thinking of simple pleasures, I finished two books. SUMMER SNOW by Nicole Baart and Maureen McCormick's HERE'S THE STORY.
Enjoy your Friday.
