Life’s Little Gifts

September 5th, 2008

I was in the shower when it happened – covered in soap, I was suddenly engulfed with a feeling of utter bliss.

I didn’t have to worry about things like war, hunger or poverty — I had warm water running down my body and delicious-smelling shampoo in my hair. In the light, soap bubbles were rainbow-coloured orbs, generously bestowing their beauty for my amusement.

Rainbow Bubbles

I turned the shower off and the world was silent for a minute. Not a sound. Slowly, I started hearing a bird sing. And then another one. A gentle rustling of leaves. The sound of my breath, rhythmically inhaling and exhaling. The sounds of life. What a pleasure to be gifted with this experience!

Moments like this, stanzas in life’s poetry, are embedded into our daily lives. You just have to be aware of them, luxuriate in the moment, and let them magnify.

I hope you find a magic moment today. :)

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File in: gratitude, happiness Tags: gratitude, happiness, life, self-awareness
Comments: 9 Comments | Add your comment

I just recently reread Aldous Huxley's novel "Island", and this made me think of the parrots in the island paradise he wrote about. The parrots were trained to say, "Attention" and "Here and now, boys". These were reminders to be attentive to the present, and to take joy in it. Sometimes I think those brief moments of bliss are the only thing that keep me sane.

Christopher at 8:32 pm on September 5, 2008

These is what I aim at on a daily basis: to capture a moment of bliss and simplicity in its wake. Most people don't even suspect how close the bliss actually is. A brush of rain drop on your skin, a smile from a stranger, a fragrant flower, anything really. Today, for example, when i was out and about, I saw a white swan drifting through canal waters, and although there were cars and people channeling the noises, the rest of the world seized for a while to let me take in this beauty. I think I even heard the subtle rustle of swan's feathers. That was mesmerizing.

anya at 8:14 am on September 6, 2008

I agree with you. It's the little little things that can change your mood positively in an instant. It reminds me that life's not bad after all.

Grace at 8:48 am on September 6, 2008

Lovely those moments. Complete and utter peace!

Pentad at 4:10 pm on September 7, 2008

A question occurred to me: is that scented soap? I used to use a vanilla-scented shampoo and for some reason the smell always calmed me and made me happier, even on days when all I had to look forward to was work.

Christopher Waldrop at 3:16 pm on September 8, 2008

Thanks everyone for your comments. I love the description of your moment of bliss, Anya. And yes, some smells do trigger a certain feeling, and I do love the calming smell of vanilla. I used to put paper scented with vanilla essence in between the pages of some of my books. Some sounds too have the same effect, I heard a faint tinkling recently and it reminded me of a toy I had when I was 10. Love it! :)

Ginger M at 3:40 am on September 10, 2008

Hi I apologize it's been awhile since I have been by but I see your spirit is just as alive and positive as always;)

John Sullivan at 4:55 am on September 10, 2008

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Blog Safari 9-10-08 at 4:17 pm on September 10, 2008

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