It’s In The Little Things
Have you stopped to smell the plumeria today?
I am writing this blog as I sit on my lanai with a cup of tea, watching morning’s first light bathe the surrounding jungle in a fiery glow, as the birds flutter about enchanting the silence with their arias. It is a special time of day for me - I get to greet the world and the day ahead, take a moment to be with myself and my thoughts.
In this exact same timeline, I have a call at 9 AM I am not prepared for, on top of numerous projects that have yet to be started or even finished, all before having to head into town for a couple of meetings. And to top it all off, I did not do my usual meal prep, which means I’m probably going to have to go buy food. Not preferable, but it will do.
I was faced with two choices this morning: I could immediately focus all my attention and energy into the have-to’s of the day ahead, or I could take a moment for a slow rise, enjoy the stillness for a moment, and appreciate the little things. The tasks will be there regardless, so why not? Why not take a moment every morning to be with the world instead of instantly being consumed by it? For me, the choice to take these moments every morning are the best choices I can make for myself. It primes me for remaining grounded and tunes me to the frequency of gratitude as I go about my day.
Do you remember how you saw the world as a child? It was HUGE, and our innate curiosity drove us to seek it out and experience it in its entirety. Somewhere along the way, we lost the ability to see the world through such a lens. We became so engrossed in the pursuit of the extraordinary that we forgot to appreciate the magic of the ordinary. It is an age of abundance, yet many of us find ourselves perpetually reaching, yearning for something more. The world outside, a constant hum of noise and urgency, can drown out the quiet symphony of gratitude that resides within us. It's as if we've forgotten how to find joy in the simple, in the everyday miracles that sustain us. In our relentless pursuit of more, we often overlook the simple joys that sustain us. The warmth of the sun on our skin, the taste of fresh-brewed coffee, laughter, and beautiful flower —these are the quiet revolutionaries that can transform our perspective.
It is in these quiet moments, often overlooked, that we find the seeds of contentment. The world is filled with distractions, but true happiness resides in the simple act of being present. By tuning into the rhythm of our daily lives, we begin to notice the subtle beauty that surrounds us. They are the quiet revolutionaries that can shift our perspective, transforming our lives from a relentless pursuit of more to a celebration of what we already have.
The Pono of Gratitude
Are you starting to notice a trend? Getting pono with ourselves and gratitude go hand in hand!
Gratitude is more than a fleeting emotion; it's a conscious choice, a shift in perspective. While recognizing the importance of gratitude is a crucial first step, it's in the application where we truly reap its rewards. Gratitude is not merely a passive state of appreciation; it's a dynamic force that propels us towards a more fulfilling life. Gratitude starts off small: appreciating your morning cup of coffee, the slight breeze on a hot day, your comfortable bed, and so on. Just like a baby first learning to crawl and then walk, gratitude evolves in baby steps. Starting with appreciation for the small things eventually snowballs into being grateful for dang near everything in your life. It is like Ram Dass’ take on awareness: start with your immediate surroundings, and let it grow and expand outward from there.
Journaling about the little joys we find in our lives offers a powerful tool for cultivating gratitude. By regularly recording the things we are thankful for, we create a tangible record of life's blessings. It's a way to revisit positive experiences and reinforce our sense of appreciation. Expressing gratitude to others is equally important. A simple thank-you note, a heartfelt compliment, or an act of kindness can brighten someone's day and strengthen our connections. Sharing our gratitude with others creates a ripple effect, spreading positivity throughout our communities. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can enhance our ability to focus on the present moment and cultivate gratitude. By training our minds to appreciate the beauty of the ordinary, we open ourselves to a world filled with wonder and possibility.
And so, as the morning sun climbs higher in the sky and my teacup grows cold, I am reminded of the profound impact of starting my day with gratitude. It is in the ordinary moments, the unassuming details of our lives, where the extraordinary resides. In the words of the poet Mary Oliver, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Let us choose gratitude. Let us choose to see the world through the eyes of a child, to embrace the simple joys, and to find contentment in the present moment. This is not merely a choice; it is a way of life. It is the path to a more fulfilling, joyful, and abundant existence. May you find the stillness within the chaos, and may your heart overflow with gratitude.