Summer's Simple Luxuries

 

I was inspired by a posting from Leo Babauta's "simple guide to life" article.

less tv, more reading.
less shopping, more outdoors.
less rush, more slowness.
less consuming, more creating.
less noise, more solitude.
less on future, more in present.
less junk, more real food.
less busywork, more impact.
less driving, more walking.
less work, more play.
less worry, more smiles.

I left the office very annoyed and harried because I spent an afternoon trying my best to do a project when after a couple hours of hard work... the file disappeared. And, I had to basically start all over again. Pretty lame. And, I was frustrated and pretty pissed.

I think it's easy to find luxury and simplicity when you have free time and you can do whatever you want. I think the biggest challenges in American life is to find joy in suffering, annoyances, and to-do lists. We are at work more hours than we care to admit. We spend more time with our colleagues, prepping for meetings, and staying late to finish one more thing than any other activity out there.

What I am challenging myself to learn is to take care of me, believe in spirit, find inspiration that goes beyond my own power, and to be open to receiving love and encouragement. You'll have to invest in some doses of simple luxuries throughout your day and plan for a couple of hours somewhere in your week. It's a must. If you don't devote to the basics and taking care of you, your soul, and your health, what's really left to do.

Be Inspired By Summer's Simple Luxuries
:: fresh seasonal fruit - colorful blueberries, watermelon and peaches
:: sip some sparkling water and chai tea and take your time to relax while you drink
:: yoga, yoga, yoga - nothing cures a bad mood like breathing deeply and stretching
:: swim, swim, swim - this is a classic summertime activity! find your favorite local pool and enjoy the view of the park, the families, and pure joy
:: walking in nature - you don't have to go very far to admire beautiful summer flowers. your neighbors yard or the beautiful oak trees can provide a unique calmness
:: hang out with a dog - ever watched how some dogs find anything fascinating and or so happy to be outside? it's amazing how peaceful and delightful canine companionship can be
:: curl up to a good book - in the morning instead of thinking about all the craziness you will have to face in your day, start off with some inspiring words.
:: call a good friend - sometimes getting a good friend's perspective on things can calm the nerves, be an uplifting inspiration, or just a good laugh
:: cook a meal and share it - my friends have a weekly dinner every week and it's so much fun to see what kinds of meals people come up with
:: art museums - get out of the heat and enjoy the colors and shapes found in art.