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The Simple Things

by Chris Assaad on October 15, 2011

For the last 7 days, I’ve been at a lakeside cottage a few hours outside of Toronto, on a little creative and spiritual retreat. Since arriving here, I’ve driven into the nearby town once to get some groceries but otherwise, I’ve been getting around on foot, taking daily walks on the nearby trail. I’ve also unplugged from the world of Facebook and Twitter, and have been using email and phone sparsely to communicate with family and a few close friends.

This is a stark contrast from the usual for me which involves daily city driving, somewhat compulsive IPhone use and social networking, and constant human contact. In essence, I have been somewhat removed from my day to day life and all the “things” that I so heavily depend upon and this has given me a great opportunity to go within and gain some perspective.

Of all the things I’ve discovered during this week of solitude, the one I am really cherishing and wanting to share is that it’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy.

For me, that includes wearing pj’s and slippers, the smell of incense, singing in the shower, a brisk walk in nature, candlelight, reading a good book, writing, making dinner while listening to music, and hearing the sound of my loved ones’ voices. I could go on, but you get the idea ;)

As much as I already knew that I love a lot of these things, the fact is that I don’t do them nearly enough and when I do, I don’t really allow myself to enjoy them fully because I’m not totally present. We can get so caught up in our day-to-day routine that we lose sight of the spice of life, the simple things that make us happy. We can also become so consumed by the chase for more in our careers, relationships and the material world that we forget how easy it is to bring ourselves a little extra joy by doing the simple things that make us feel cozy and at home. This is good for the soul and when we nurture our souls, our sense of peace deepens, creativity flows freely and love abounds.

Being away has given me a chance to gain this perspective, but I’m definitely planning to bring this insight back to my life at home. I will work in my pj’s whenever possible, I will go for more walks, I will read instead of watching tv, light candles and burn incense when I’m creating and I will step away from the IPhone knowing that I don’t need to check my email 15 times a day!

The point is that doing the simple things can be easily practiced in the course of our regular lives. And not just on special occasions, all the time!

So what about you? What are the simple things that bring you joy?

Much love,

Chris

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Chris Assaad is a rad singer/songwriter and a TDL reader. Check out his website here.

  • Jeffmende

    Simple things for me are bike riding at night (with lights);  watching netflix; reading a newspaper; seeing the stars;  reading your wonderful retreat;
      Jeff

  • Anonymous

    Listening to unadulterated sounds of nature while sipping coffee; dipping my feet in the brook or river; a warm and tight hug from a loved one

  • Free2bme1025

    … A hot shower before bed, clean sheets, the first cup of coffee, wind rustling the leaves, the antics of my kitties, a warm embrace, truly connecting with others as a spiritual being…and so much more!

  • Donita

    Love this!

  • Rosemarygar

    Great thank you! Early AM with soft music, good coffee and a comfy chair – it doesn’t get much better…

  • KristyP

    After a recent breakup I too am enjoying the discovery of the simple things in life that give me pleasure. I am in a low place right now and enjoying each pleasure is like a drop of water in dry soil, the discoveries are enriching. Yoga every day, walking by the water in Vancouver, cups of tea, reading, fresh flowers, cooking. It’s nice to know how easy it can be to cheer yourself up! Great post Chris. :)

  • Jaefff

    Love this! Chris Assaad’s posts always hit home for me can’t thank you enough. 

  • Linne

    Inner peace and joy comes from the simple things! Barefooted, walking in the rain, washing the car in  the rain without raincoat! These are the inner joys and peace, just by connecting with the simple things. Love your thoughts Chris! Peace!

  • Vero camila

    Chirs and  T D L community , you don´t have idea how much I enjoy to read ( I feel that that I talk to Chirs while I read his articles) Thank you.  There will be always an external life and its amazing, but keep linving out there … we can miss the inner life, our “ special gift “!!    
    Simple things, my favorit topic -  i love to see kids smile, play and  explore around,  smell flower, walk at the park, talk with friends for hours in my livingroom or at the garden, observe the ocean, eat chocolate, to be quiet –shh silence !! …etc. Less is more = )  today  Im sending my best and simple wishes. Big Hello from Mexixo, Vero Camila 

  • http://positivelyporche.blogspot.com/ Positivelyporche

    the quiet moment when i’m outside at 5:30am staring at the sky holding silent conversation giving thanks for a new day and without a doubt knowing my prayers are heard 

  • Zali

    A cup of tea that warms the hands as you drink it. My son drifting off to sleep. The slow tumble of autumn leaves and snow flakes. The sound of bird song in the middle of the city. Blossom in spring. Candle light – I love that too. Freshly washed sheets, a good book and rain! Vegemite and butter on toast (it’s an Australian thing!). A moment of meditation. The first bite of something delicious. 

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