The Season of Simple Pleasures
It might be cliche, but I’m going to say it anyway….
I love Fall!
I noticed fall was coming to Colorado a couple weeks ago when the mornings had a slight chill and the air had a crisp smell. I wasn’t the only one who noticed. The birds began migrating. The leaves began to turn. It’s official. Fall is here.
I have a theory about why Fall is so loved by so many people. I think Fall is the season of simple pleasures. Sure, we can enjoy simple pleasures all year long, but in the Fall, we take a collective moment to pause, breathe in, and enjoy something fully. Whether it’s the feeling of being hugged by a warm sweater, the sweet and spicy smell of an apple pie, or the sound of laughter sparked by the delight of an impromptu craft project, the simple pleasures are all around us.
What are some of the places, people, things, activities that give you joy? Could it be…
- Pumpkin spice latte
- Baking
- Taking a walk in the brisk air
- Decorating the front porch
- Playing a board game
- Reading to your child
- Listening to a favorite song
- Enjoying a favorite meal
- Cooking comfort food
- Going apple picking
- Watching a movie
- Hugging a loved one
- Looking through past photos
- Walking your dog
- Drinking a cup of hot chocolate
- Laundry still warm from the dryer
This weekend, find an opportunity to enjoy a simple pleasure, and take full advantage of the opportunity to savor it.
Try this…
The secret to feeling satisfied from a simple pleasure is to notice it while it’s happening and feel grateful for it.
Before starting, pause. Feel your body anticipate the pleasure you’re about to experience and feel grateful that you get to experience something you love and enjoy. As you begin the experience, notice the sensations. Are you noticing the pleasure on your skin, your tongue? What’s happening in your brain as you’re soaking up this moment? Do you feel more peaceful, content, happy, grateful? Does closing your eyes help you focus on the feelings of pleasure?
Now stop thinking about it. Just be right there, in the moment, indulging in it. And feel grateful that you are right here, right now getting to enjoy this experience. These are the moments that make life worth living.