These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Welcome to August!

The good?

It’s my birthday month, and who doesn’t like to revel in a little celebration? I love everyone’s birthday, including my own, and August is full of special days in our family.

The not-so-good?

It’s hot.

Notice, I didn’t write, “The bad.” How could I when, despite what loud voices would have you believe, every day is a gift?

I’ve long believed that the stuff of the world doesn’t make us. We make our world by the things we notice, hold dear, and how we treat ourselves and others.

I would never suggest or recommend burying our heads in the sand, but I do encourage myself to “give attention to the small things.”

Handwritten quote on a dark background with plants and a moon, about learning to notice small things with deeper meaning.

Morgan Harper Nichols, Instagram

Because I realize:

“The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.”
—Jon Kabat-Zinn

That’s the message that kept appearing and reappearing this week. What else could I do but pay attention, especially since a little over half this year has slipped away? A good time to pause.

I spent 31 days in July cultivating mindfulness. The effortless daily reminders focused my day on what matters most to me. The month ended with five suggestions for finding joy in the simplest, quietest moments. No extravagant or fabulous experiences required (although those are always exciting), nothing more than the mundane found in ordinary days.

It is easy.

Be present: Put down the device, look up, smile. Listen to birdsong, watch the sun set, breathe deep.

Cultivate gratitude: Find three pleasures or wonders to be thankful every day.

Savour experiences: Sometimes, pause, enjoy the last bit of chocolate cake. Listen to the laughter of friends and family. Really listen.

Share your joy: Connect with people you care about and enjoy a meal, a game, or sit around the table with that last cup of morning coffee. Linger.

Create mindful rituals: Sit on the swing after dinner, take a morning walk, anything that opens the door to appreciate the little things, your favorite things.

A blessing . . .

May you encounter everyday interactions that hold unexpected significance.
May you continue to consider that there is more depth in unexpected places.
May curiosity foster meaningful connections.
—Morgan Harper Nichols