Oct 22
10 Simple Pleasures
The simple things in life are always the best!
At the end of yesterday’s circle, for “homework”, I asked everyone to go home and write a list of 10 simple pleasures. I then charged them with the “task” of doing something from this list every day.
Why? A list of simple pleasures is a good way to begin reclaiming back your space in tiny managable pieces. And when women and men reclaim their space, the have an opportunity to reconnect with themselves, that then allows them to reconnect with each other. Practising simple pleasures is a good way of reconnecting with yourself - especially if you feel to guilty too put yourself at the top of the family priority list and ask for help to have time away by yourself. And yes - you do deserve it, but first of all you have to believe that you deserve it.
Julia Cameron reminds us all in the book “The Artist Way” and her autobiography “Floor Sample, “When I treat myself as something precious I am strong.”
Why a written list though? When posted in a prominent part of your home (toilet door?) it reminds everyone that personal time and space is important but others in your home as well. It’s intended as a propmt though, not another source of guilt!And just in case you find the time time or the opportunity - you wont be stuck for indulgent ideas!
Sometimes its good to be reminded, as the women did yesterday at the circle, that there are things they already do, that reclaim and honour their space every day. Recognising, and giving thanks, for these routines and rituals which are already part of your life. It feel good to realise, as several of the women did yesterday, that there are things in their lives that they do daily to keep connected to themselves.
Simple pleasures dont require huge investments of time, energy, money or effort. And most women find that they can indulge in their simple pleasures without having to worry about having someone care for their children. A cup of tea in fine china, wearing your favourite perfume or jewellery, a chance to read a chapter of a book, do a cross word, catch up with some friends on facebook, dance to your favourite song … the possiblities are endless.
So what is your list of 10 things? And which of them did you do today?
