Community Reflections: The Simplest Things That Bring Joy

“It is a great privilege to be able to enjoy the bread-and-cheese of life —
the simple pleasures, of which there are so many.” ~Charles Edward Jerningham

Some of you may have noticed (or are regularly visiting) our Practice Space where we offer a Daily Question to enhance grateful awareness. Each day we are moved by and learn from the responses that appear. The reflections are joyful, poignant, subtle, poetic, loving, generous, sophisticated, playful, vulnerable, and, of course, infused with gratitude.

We offer the following selection of responses to one of our recent Daily Questions. May these reflections serve to open a doorway to gratefully loving the world and finding ways to live accordingly.

What are the simplest things that bring you joy?

Breathing freely and easily is a simple joy and it is fundamentally essential. The joy of the breath is my anchor to life blossoming in the present moment, the only place where we are truly alive to experience life. ~Antoinette

The night sky with at least one visible star – all the better with a familiar constellation. ~Chester

Nature, painting, been driven in the passenger seat, praying, being around open minded people, and bubble baths (5-5-7 breathing tool is highly effective for those who cope with mental health conditions) ~k’Care-Reena

a sunrise /sunset
A warm shower
The forest
My books
My tribe
Contemplation/meditation
A gentle breeze
A compassionate touch ~pashnault

Photo by Olesia Buyar/Unsplash

Walking in the wild, breakfast, breathing, the feel of my hands in my dog’s fur, noticing a beautiful detail in the big picture of my vision, a moving line of music, the ticking of a clock, the early stages of a fire as it grows into the grate. Yet none of this is simple really. When I see the complex beauty, there is wonder within the joy. ~Malag

Getting a good grade or a text message from someone special. Even rewatching a movie I love. ~Liz

Clean bed sheets, clean PJ’s and a warm shower. Simple things. ~nadders

Watching videos or looking at photos of my grandchildren, as well as memories & photos of our deceased beloved dog, Pema, my wife’s laughter, and chatting & hanging out with friends. ~GregC

Photo by Josh Hild/Unsplash

Dancing with my sweet Kitty, who comes running as soon as she hears the music. ~Debra

A crisp sunny winter day beckoning me to the ski trails! ~Elaine

Breathing
A pet
A smile
A dance
A sharing
The sun – then moon – the clouds – the stars
The ocean
A friend – a loved one – feeling loved
A taste – a sight – a touch – a sound- a scent
My feet hitting the floor each AM ~Cathie

The simplest things that bring joy to me is family — they’re the one who keeps me laughing and smiling. Food brings joy to me knowing that it’s making me healthier. Friends bring me joy because they’re always supportive and making me laugh nonstop. ~Tamia

Rubbing my lap cat’s belly each morning. Writing in my journal. ~Cliff

Photo by Ludemeula Ferna/Unsplash

The birds in winter that hover unafraid as I fill the bird feeder. My dogs that bark with excitement as I prepare to go out and play with them. Bringing a smile to someone’s face. Starting a new book. Morning meditation and yoga. ~Jacqueline

Faces: the incredible expressions we all make, the crinkle in the corner of the eyes, the slope or square or button of a nose, and the profound way a smile can impact my day. ~Trish

Taking my walk–I may not be able to go as far as I use to but the fresh air is so invigorating. my first cup of coffee each morning; spending time with my son; a phone call or a snail mail letter from a friend (I love snail mail!); listening to music; looking at pictures that hold cherished memories; baking goodies for family, friends and neighbors. ~Carol

In the garden, sun on my face and hands in the soil. ~Don

We offer our deepest thanks to all of you who shared your experience of tenderness. If you would like to add a rich practice to your life, we invite you to visit our Practice Space and join the welcoming community who connect there each day.

And for you, what are the simplest things that give you joy? We invite you to share your reflections below…