“As I began to love myself I quit stealing my own time, and I stopped designing huge projects for the future. Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm. Today I call it “SIMPLICITY”.”
This quote is from Charlie Chaplin.
It made me think about little simple things that we can keep in front of us.
I love walking. Just love walking, especially in leafy areas or by the coast. I like city walking too.
I keep observant, I watch each passing scene as a work of Art.
It could be beautiful trees, I walk being keenly aware of the leaves and bark, their colour and texture, the sunlight dappling or raindrops splashing.
Or walking through the City I pay attention to the shop windows, the pavements - the faces of the people around. The sounds. The smells.
I recently found real pleasure in ironing! I’ve always hated ironing.
Anyway, I slowed right down, picking up each piece, smoothing, setting the steam...ironing with care and purpose. Then fold... enjoying the scent of freshly laundered cotton, towelling. It’s my new pleasure.
Who'd have thought it? Not me 😉
I love reading. But sometimes I can’t get into a book...but I do enjoy poetry, at anytime. Little bit sized pieces of mind caressing words.
I find if I slow right down, right down - every little simple good thing becomes very real, very present... it’s my ‘NOW’.
I was quite stressed about a couple small things this morning...I caught my cat’s eye, walked over and bent down to nuzzle and stroke.
I felt her breath, her rich purr... her delicious scent on her fur...that was very REAL. I stayed with her for 10 minutes or so.
My anxiety quietened and I was able to get on with sorting out the source of my worry.
I’m going to start creating Art in my own way soon... but that needs a good few hours of time.
Meanwhile, little momentary focuses on things of simple joy and pleasure are like food and water to me 🙂
That’s how I use mindfulness.
Enjoying reading everyone’s thoughts and experiences with keeping in the ‘now’.
❤️