Little Things

Little Things

Isn't it funny that it's the simple things that can make you happy.
This week happiness for me has been watching the wheel on my electricity meter ( I have an old meter) going backwards thanks to our new solar panels. Waiting patiently for that little black line to appear in the window of the meter is very hypnotic, the 'wrongness' of the direction, the fact we are producing our own electricity and being environmentally friendly helps to cheer me up, looking at a digital display is not nearly as exciting.
My teenage children have found happiness during the installation. The scaffolding which surrounds our house is a huge climbing frame. I'll find them sitting up at roof level which gives them a different perspective on a familiar view, they have been listening to music, chatting to friends, sun bathing and contemplating life, watching sun sets and stargazing up on our temporary balcony.
It reminds me of the christmas' when they were small, when the box the present came in was more interesting than the present itself.
In this world of gadgetry, constant mental stimulation and  technology (we have lots of extra tech. with the solar power), it's the simple things which are cherished. The boys loved climbing and hanging of the scaffolding, getting back to the playground and our evolutionary roots. All of our simple observations can produce a state close to a mediative state, restful and calming.
I bet the solar panel marketing department don't advertise these benefits.

In the same way when advertising the benefits of Pilates, Yoga or Myolastic movement we concentrate on the physical benefits, however its all the small details of these practices which make the real difference, and produce real moments of happiness.
The rhythm of the breath when effortless movement is discovered, the pleasure of co-ordinated movement, the quiet pauses, doing what the body was designed to do, time away from technology and the stresses of modern life.

The whole process of observing yourself doing the simple things is hugely interesting- try it and find out for yourself.