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.
