When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. Marcus Aurelius
Last weekend the mountains welcomed me at dawn. The sun played hide-and-seek with nature and her surroundings. I glanced up and caught a peak of the beginnings of a golden waterfall. In that moment, I took a breath, inhaled and exhaled, and listened to the birds, looked up at the light blue sky and tried to bottle up the feeling of this kind of grace. – the ability to hike, to see, to hear, to feel the texture of what it means to be truly alive. How often do we remember this in the middle of our “busy” lives?
In the last month, I’ve forgotten the grace of simple things. The simplicity of knowing that you can walk out, take a breath, enjoy nature and love. Isn’t this what it is about? I am always thinking about the road to somewhere I have not reached. Undermining what is in front of me, I tend to focus on all of the things that aren’t. In truth, there are so many joys in my life that are so fulfilling that I sabotage their essence.
I needed the reminder. That the existence of what is in my life should be revered. In the midst of my restlessness, I allow myself to plunge into a spiral of everything that isn’t. The grace of the witnessing this morning taught me that these moments are short, fleeting and temporary. But it is up to me to sink into the glory of such goodness without yearning for more.
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
I often need those reminders too so thanks for this one today. One of the great gifts of getting back into running is spending time – alone – outside and noticing, as you so beautifully put it, “the grace of simple things.”
Kristen,
I often use running as my refuge. It’s starting to cool down in the desert and I am so excited to hit the pavement again. My whole outlook on everything softens when I have the chance to run. It is definitely my meditation. Always a pleasure to see you in my space. Thank you!
These moments are short, fleeting and temporary..take it in and find peace and strength in the moment. The simple things are the best ones !
Agreed. Simplicity is something that isn’t emphasized enough.
Beautiful. I love your photo. I love the phrase “the grace of simple things.”
Welcome Susan!
I am grateful that the photo and words resonated with you. Thanks so much!
This is truly beautiful writing and thoughts. I too also allow myself to “spiral into what isn’t” which keeps me from being in the now. I think sometimes those lapses make the now much more enjoyable when we recognize those moments.
The spiral I think prevents us from getting to the heart of what truly matters in our life. For me, I need to pause and think about the abundance of what I have and carry that grateful feeling in more tenuous times. As always, thanks for visiting my space.
This is so beautiful and so well timed for me. My two favorite lines: “I am always thinking about the road to somewhere I have not reached” and “I allow myself to plunge into a spiral of everything that isn’t.” So true of my own behavior and thoughts. Thank you for saying it so perfectly. I needed this today.
Happy Sharefest. Have a great weekend.
Miss Robin:
I am glad that my words came at the right time for you and those particular lines resonated with you. I too, sink and lean into that spiral of thoughts and need to remind myself of all that I have. I appreciate your thoughtful comment.
I love the serenity of your post and photo. An important reminder, and something that’s so hard to do. I’m bedridden and you would think I am learning to appreciate the small moments better…and many times I do, but other times I find myself impatient to “get on” with life again…
Cecelia,
I am certain it is harder to appreciate what you have while your nursing a broken leg and anticipating surgery. But perhaps, this is a way for you to slow down and pay attention to the small moments with a more keen eye and tender heart. All the best with your recovery. Thinking of you. And grateful you chose some time to be in my space.
Seems like we were on the same page, I love the photo, very calming…visiting from SITS
Welcome Whitney!
The photo doesn’t capture the complete exquisiteness of the view. There was a definite peace that radiated from behind the mountains.
“The grace of simple things…” Thank you for the reminder.
Welcome Lisa Rae!
I am grateful that my words resonated with you. It’s a reminder I need as well.
It is indeed something “to enjoy the is.”
Thank you for the reminder. – Renee