The Magic in the Mundane
Finding those little moments of joy in the ordinary and embracing simplicity.
This is the great challenge: to maintain passion for the everyday routine and the endlessly repeated act, to derive deep gratification from the mundane - unknown
Hello my friend.
A very warm welcome to A Simple Living Journal where we chat about all things slow, simple and seasonal living. I love that you are here, please come in and make yourself comfortable.
In this weeks newsletter I thought we would chat about finding magic in the mundane, finding joy in the ordinary.
Many of us treat joy like our mothers or grandmothers treated their good cups or dinnerware, they were only brought out for special occasions, a rare treat.
We believe happiness is found in the upcoming weekend, our next holiday, a day out, or a special occasion like a wedding or a party. But actually most of our waking hours are spent doing the ordinary things like cleaning, tidying, diy, commuting, taking care of a loved one, going to work, feeding our family, shopping etc. The things we endure to get us to that final destination of joy.
We waste so much time rushing through the mundane moments to get to a time when we are convinced we will be happier, so much so that we miss lots of occasions that can bring us joy right now.
Does this sound familiar? I’ll be happy when it’s Friday, I can’t wait for my holiday! Roll on 5 o’clock!
According to the English dictionary mundane translates as very ordinary, not interesting, lacking excitement, dull. Doesn’t sound too joyful when it’s put like that does it?
So how can we turn the every day mundane, into joy, into magic?
To find joy in the mundane there are several simple ways we can incorporate this into our every day routines. The act of practicing mindfulness, appreciating the small things and expressing gratitude. All of these transform ordinary moments into sources of contentment and wonder. Let me explain in more detail.
Embracing Mindfulness
Pay attention to your senses and surroundings during every day activities like eating, walking or working. Notice the taste and texture of food, the sound of the birds as you walk, or the chatter of passers by or colleagues at work.
Observe the beauty in the ordinary, whether it’s the way the sunlight filters through leaves, or the texture of a piece of fabric. The ticking of a clock or the smell of a meal cooking in the kitchen. Natures tiny miracles like a bee or ladybird going about its business or the smile on a loved ones face.
Resist the urge to rush through your day and instead, savour the little moments. Go and sit in your garden or on your balcony with a hot drink. Just sit, don’t take anything with you except your drink. Listen and watch. It’s amazing how time slows down when you allow it to. And just like that, a little moment of joy to savour.
Cultivating Gratitude
Take your time to acknowledge the things that make you smile, no matter how small. The meal on your plate or the book you are reading. A piece of music on the radio that brings back a fond memory. The smell of flowers in your garden, or a neighbours garden as you walk by. A cuddle with your partner or your pet.
Keeping a gratitude journal is a great tool as it teaches you to see the good when all around seems hopeless. You might be having the worst day imaginable, but perhaps that text from a friend made you smile, or the cosy feeling you got when huddled up in a favourite blanket watching your favourite show on tv. Perhaps these all seem like nothing, but really, they are something. It’s about shifting your perspective to search for the good in every situation. Focussing on the positive.
Finding Joy in the Everyday
Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures of your environment. This goes back to being mindful. Focussing on one thing at a time and noticing everything about that particular action. For example eating: take that first bite of a piece of food. First notice its temperature and then the texture as you chew it, and the taste. You’d be surprised how many senses you can engage with the simplest of acts.
I’ve spoken about this on numerous occasions and I make no apology but it’s one of the most effective ways of finding joy. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the park, simply sitting under a tree or sitting in your garden or balcony. Notice the wildlife, the breeze as it whips through the trees, how warm the sun feels on your skin.
Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. A long hot shower, a meditation, reading a few pages from a favourite novel.
Spend quality time with loved ones, whether it’s a casual chat or a shared activity. Send a message to a friend to check how they’re doing. Call a family member or better yet, go visit them.
Step outside your comfort zone and explore new hobbies or interests. Remember that craft you always wanted to learn? Try it. There are a vast array of tutorials out there. Give it a go.
Take a few moments to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around you. That gorgeous sunrise or sunset, a full moon, a starlit sky. The spring blossom on a tree you pass by on your way to work.
More ideas to ponder
Put on your favourite music whilst vacuuming.
Dance in the kitchen while waiting for the kettle to boil.
Sing your favourite tunes whilst ironing.
Light a candle when having a meal, even if you are eating on your own.
Make a list of the tasks you need to complete today, ticking them off one by one as you finish them. You will smile when your list is done.
Put your washing out on the line on a breezy sunny day and notice the smell of the washing as you bring it in when it’s dry. There’s nothing like it.
Read a favourite book on your commute to work, if you’re on public transport. If you are driving, listen to some uplifting music or a podcast.
Open all the windows while you are cleaning your house. Let the fresh air in.
Wear a favourite piece of clothing around the house, one that you have been saving for a “special occasion”. Isn’t every day a special day? I think so.
Use that “for best” dinner set for regular meals.
In whatever task you are doing, slow down and take your time. Notice the little details. Stay mindful.
Drive slower. Leave for a work a few minutes earlier if you can so you don’t have to rush. Because you’re driving slower you notice more on your commute. Just this week I spotted a barn owl flying past in front of me on two consecutive mornings.
Let me know in the comments any ideas and thoughts you have about finding joy in the ordinary and how you find magic in the mundane. I hope some of these ideas inspire you.
Did you know my slow and gentle declutter series started at the end of March. A month by month gentle process of clearing our homes and minds. I would love you to join us on this journey of discovery.
The first newsletter is out now - you can read it here.
Decluttering the slow way |01
·Physical possessions are a burden. They take money to buy and time to maintain. They take up physical space in our homes and mental space in our mind. Every physical item around us competes for our attention and adds stress to our lives. Joshua Becker.
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Until next time.
Debbie xx
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Thank you, Debbie...I couldn't agree more. I feel so lucky because this has always seemed to come naturally to me (well, most of the time!). After a very busy day, I've just sat down to read your newsletter (my first one...hello!) in my favourite comfy chair, sun streaming through the window, birds singing away in the garden, cup of tea in hand...bliss! What better way to ease into the evening? And who just loves a Sunday evening when there's no school or work the next day? Me! Happy Easter. Helen x
I loved this Debbie 🙏 ... And this is honestly at the heart of everything I do and how I want to live. I really want to pour my attention into these ordinary, beautiful, every day moments and appreciate the gift of the present. Thank you for writing and sharing this , as always you put it so beautifully 💕