The number of “things” we can acquire with money is tremendous and even if we were to buy something everyday, we would probably need several lifetimes to buy everything available. There are toys for small children, and others for those who are bigger. There seems to always be a car that goes faster, and a house that is bigger and better. There are clothes that can make us look like a rock star or the models who flaunt them. There are electronic appliances and bicycles. There are row boats, speed boats, sail boats, and yachts of every shape and size. And for those who like to collect “things”, there is always something new to add to their collection.
As for me, I think its fabulous we have such a wide variety of “things” we can buy, but I ask myself:
Does there come a time when enough is enough?
If you don’t have the money for a new iPhone, or to take a trip to the other side of the planet, what will you do for fun?
I propose that while money can buy us a lot of “things” that bring pleasure, it is also possible to enjoy each day without them, though this is nothing new. In fact, the simplest pleasures have been around since the beginning of time.
How about taking a walk?
It could be in the city, or on a mountain, or at the beach, do what’s easy and available, don’t put any limits. Open your eyes to the world around you and begin to enjoy all you see on the way:
In the city you see people going here, there, and everywhere. You can imagine what their lives might be like, where they work, and whether or not they have a family. Put yourself in their shoes for awhile and imagine, what is it like to be them? What are their heartbreaks and their joys? What motivates them to get up every day?
If you are in the mountains, life abounds, though often it is hidden, just past where we normally see, almost out of sight, if we aren’t paying attention. Besides the trees, plants, flowers, and animals —which also give us a cause to stop and observe— there are also insects, dirt, rocks, rivers, and lakes teeming with life. In a puddle we can see a miniature world which begins and ends right there, in that little bit of water.
And if you choose the beach, you can look out over the immensity of the oceans and seas, watching how they disappear into the horizon. You can consider the great variety of life which lies beneath. Some plants, fish, and other animals are readily seen, others are found only at great depths.
What about singing and dancing?
While you may not have the best singing voice, and you may not dance like Fred Astaire, who cares? Singing in the shower, where you can act like a rock star is incredible. If someone else doesn’t like it, they can cover their ears or take a hike, but as for me, if you feel the need, then let it all hang out.
Have you ever been someplace and suddenly one of your favorite songs came on over the radio?
Why wait? Free yourself from what others might think and let your body begin to slowly sway with the music. You can even close your eyes and feel how the music fills your soul in a deep, special way, but dance when you feel the rhythm touch you in that very special way.
These are just a few of the simple pleasures thatabound when we are willing to open our minds and our hearts to everything around us.
∞ Rob McBride ∞
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