July 5, 2025

The Superabundance of Ordinary Life





In a consumer world that constantly needs new and spectacular things to sell, the extraordinary is glorified, and as such, it’s easy to overlook the profound beauty and truth found in the simplicity of the ordinary moments in life. 

The notion that our regular experiences can be superabundant, fulfilling, and enough is not a new one. Throughout history, many thinkers across many cultures have celebrated the value of the richness of plain, everyday life. 

Paulo Coelho alluded to this when he stated, “The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.” 

In other words, don’t forget what is right in front of you, and in your own back yard, which is where I took the picture above that goes with this post.


Embracing the Everyday


Henry David Thoreau reminded us that, “the price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” The true value of our lives is not measured by material possessions or grand achievements, but by the precious moments we experience daily.

Thoreau found that the simplest things, like the sound of a bird, the rustle of leaves, or the sight of endless rows of beans, held immense beauty. For him, it was enough.

The Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō, a master of haiku, captures this essence of finding beauty in nature when he wrote, “The temple bell stops but I still hear the sound coming out of the flowers.” 

Even in silence, the ordinary resonates with profound meaning. Bashō’s reflections on nature encourage us to appreciate the small moments that usually go unnoticed in a busy world.


Finding Freedom in Simplicity


In North America, the Native American philosopher Black Elk said, “The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of men when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the universe and all its powers.” 

This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and the beauty found in our everyday interactions with the world around us.

When we simplify our lives, we create space for meaningful experiences and relationships with others, and the planet. The ordinary becomes extraordinary when we approach it with intention and gratitude.

Thich Nhat Hanh beautifully encapsulated the essence of mindfulness in everyday life when he says, “The miracle is not to walk on water, but to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment.” This perspective encourages us to find joy and beauty in the simple act of being present, reminding us that the ordinary can be extraordinary when we fully engage with it.



The Superabundance in Ordinary Moments


In our hurried quest for fulfillment, we often overlook the quiet abundance right in front of us. The act of brewing a cup of tea, weeding a garden, or sharing a meal with others can be transformative when approached with mindfulness. 

As the writer and philosopher Simone Weil noted, “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” By paying attention to the ordinary, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for life itself.

The superabundance of ordinary life invites us to savour the moments that make up our days. By embracing simplicity and recognizing the beauty in the mundane, we can uncover a wealth of truth, beauty, and freedom. 

Sapardi Djoko Damono emphasized the beauty of simplicity in his poetry, often reflecting on the small, everyday moments that bring joy. 

He wrote, “I want to be like a leaf, falling gently to the ground, without a care.” 

Oh, the freedom that comes from letting go of the complexities of life, and finding the goods in superabundant simple situations.



June 26, 2025

A Crown of Content vs Delusions of Grandeur




 

''My crown is in my heart, not on my head; 
not decked with diamonds and Indian stones,
nor to be seen: my crown is called content,
a crown it is that seldom kings enjoy.'' 

 

- William Shakespeare

 



Not everyone wants to be the king, although it might be fun for a while. As rocker Tom Petty said in his song It’s Good To Be King, ''the world would swing, if I were king.''

However, history has taught us that the deep answers that our souls are hard wired to seek, are not to be found there.

By the end of the song Petty seems to have come to the same conclusion, and that while there may be perks like having anything you want, or a castle by the sea, ultimately one may find the whole charade to be absurd and hollow.

I seek to learn from anyone who is doing, or has done in the case of historical figures, the hard work of ridding themselves of the myths of mainstream culture. 

What a joy to learn from the experience of those who empty their space, and experience pure living there. They know something that is dangerous to the System’s self-serving stories, especially the ones that teach us that power and money represents success, and more of both will make us happier.

It may be good to be queen. You’d have more stuff and influence, but chances are, you would not be happier at your core than any of your lowly subjects. 

I look to those people whose desire is disciplined, and know that our wants must sometimes be sacrificed.

My teachers are those that show me ways to resist the sweet illusions that try to lure me away from a steadfast commitment to my own simpler path.

Here, truth, love, and wisdom can be found, and actively used, to build a better life that is deeply meaningful and wildly unbound.

Inner peace and satisfaction, or the external trappings of life, royal or not, that bring more burden than joy

While the consensus across the ages has warned us against lusting after that jewel-encrusted, heavy crown, we continue to ask this already answered question.

I don’t know about you, but I'll take my humble fresh pine-smelling forest wreath of simplicity, adorned with the field flowers of contentment.