Finding Joy in the Ordinary
A Journey to Intentional Living
Roll Call. Who here is currently stressed or has been stressed recently?
I get it. There are a lot of things happening in the world right now outside of our immediate “circle of control” that contribute to our overall stress level let alone what might be happening in our personal lives. Some of the latest statistics regarding stress and our mental health is that approximately 75-90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.
People, some, if not most of our stress, can be avoided and or managed. We don’t have to make ourselves ill anymore.
It’s easy to overlook some of the simple things that happen to us every day, the good things, the exciting things, and the big, pure moments of joy. But what if we took a pause and truly appreciated the ordinary? Taking inventory of what already might be offering us “room for joy” is a good way to practice noticing smaller triggers of big pure joyful moments and not waiting for or depending upon those monumental experiences that we have been trained to believe will be the ONLY opportunities of happiness.
What if, we already have enough to truly feel that big, pure joy and whatever else happens is just a bonus? We have become desensitized to the nuggets of happiness that exist around us, that are sustainable, sensory exhilarating, simple ordinary opportunities to appreciate the joy we already have in our lives.
Let’s explore how slowing down a little can open doors to profound joy, much like the practice of meditation.
The Process of Slowing Down:
- Acknowledge the Discomfort: At first, slowing down can feel uncomfortable. We’re so accustomed to constant motion that stillness might seem foreign or unproductive. Recognize this discomfort as a natural part of the process.
- Start Small: Begin with just a few minutes each day dedicated to mindful awareness. This could be during your morning routine, lunch break, or before bed.
- Engage Your Senses: Focus on what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel in the present moment. This anchors you to the here and now.
- Practice Non-Judgmental Awareness: Observe your thoughts and surroundings without labeling them as good or bad. Simply notice. This might be a great opportunity to capture your reflections and observations by journaling.
- Cultivate Gratitude: As you become more aware of your surroundings, actively appreciate the small things you might have previously overlooked. I am all about gratitude, so this is an essential part of the process.
Examples of how you can Find Joy in the Ordinary:
I would love to hear what you do to find joy in the ordinary moments, but if you are struggling with ideas, here are a few.
- Morning Rituals: Instead of rushing through your breakfast, savor each bite. Notice the crunch of your toast, the smoothness of butter melting, the aroma of your tea or coffee. Feel gratitude for this nourishment.
- Commute Appreciation: If you travel or commute to your job, observe the world outside the window. Notice the changing seasons, the architecture of buildings, or the diverse faces of fellow commuters. If you drive, appreciate the smooth operation of your vehicle or the rhythm of traffic lights turning green.
- Nature’s Small Wonders: During a walk, pause to observe a flower pushing through a crack in the sidewalk, listen to the rustle of leaves in the breeze, or watch clouds shifting shapes in the sky.
- Household Chores Transformed: Turn folding laundry into a sensory experience. Feel the warmth of clothes fresh from the dryer, inhale the clean scent, and appreciate the different textures of fabrics.
- Bedtime Reflection: As you lie in bed, focus on the comfort of your pillow, the weight of the blanket, and the quiet of the night. Reflect on three ordinary moments from your day that brought you joy. This is an extraordinary practice to do each evening. It can transform the mundane or easily irritable moments to an opportunity to see the underlying value in difficulties and trials.
- Mindful Technology Use: Instead of mindlessly scrolling, really look at the photos your friends share. Appreciate the colors, compositions, and the moments they’ve chosen to capture. Engaging a set amount of time that you are engaging can also be useful in appreciating the technology you are interacting with.
- Cooking Meditation: Transform meal preparation into a mindful activity. Listen to the sizzle of vegetables in the pan, inhale the aromas of spices, and appreciate the colors of fresh ingredients.
- Pet Companionship: If you have a pet, take a few minutes to simply be with them. Feel the softness of their fur, listen to their breathing, and appreciate their unconditional presence in your life.
- Evening Sky Watch: Step outside as the day turns to night. Watch the sky change colors, observe the first stars appearing, and feel the shift in temperature.
- Mindful Listening: During a conversation with a loved one, practice truly listening. Notice the tone of their voice, their facial expressions, and the emotions behind their words.
Remember, this practice is similar to meditation. Just as we focus on our breath during meditation, we can focus on the present moment in our daily lives. It might feel challenging at first, it may also feel infantile, but with gentle persistence, you begin to see the value in the joyful things around you. What you surround yourself with becomes more rewarding and fulfilling.
Joy doesn’t always announce itself with fanfare. Often, it whispers to us in the quiet moments between our plans and goals. By slowing down and tuning in, we give ourselves the gift of experiencing life more fully, finding beauty and contentment in the everyday miracles that surround us.
As you move through your day, I invite you to take deep breaths and look around. What ordinary joys are waiting for you to notice them? How might your life change if you approached each moment with curiosity and appreciation?
This journey to mindful living is ongoing. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and remember that each moment of awareness is a step towards a more joyful, centered life.
