The important ordinary things we do.
-Krista Tippet
This quote really stuck with me. Upon hearing it, I immediately felt a deep sense of affirmation. For what, you ask? For desiring the ordinary.
Unapologetically, unabashedly craving ordinary things.
This is not a failing. To partake in what many deem as ordinary behavior or basking in the miraculousness of the everyday, I have realized is a practice and a hard won skill. Washing the dishes, running errands, moving from my couch to my bed and enjoying the sense of accomplishment that comes with this on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
The beauty in ordinary things is abundant.
When I come home at the end of the day, as much as I’d like to say I’m learning a second language, playing musical instruments, and diversifying my stock portfolio, I actively crave a simple meal, my couch, a masterfully curated cue of online streaming and a glass of wine.
And yet there is nothing ordinary about this.
The practice of yoga and meditation has helped me build a level of awareness that feeds a deeper appreciation for the little things. Do you know anything about fiber optics? I learned a bit more the other day and it blows my yoga loving mind what takes place to get that curated cue of online TV into my apartment!
Indoor plumbing anyone? Water going uphill, UPHILL I TELL YOU, against gravity so that we can have showers 38 floors in the air if we so choose. Things we view as ordinary are actually quite extraordinary.
This past weekend I was away at a wonderful cottage in Huntsville. I had the unique opportunity to meet two adorable little sisters.
The younger of the pair, having just turned one, loved water. We created an instant game of great pleasure which involved me pouring lake water onto the dock using my empty wine glass. Her eyes marveled at the crystal clear flow of liquid cascading and bouncing off the wood. Her dimples went deep into her cheeks as she splooshed her chubby little hands in those tiny pockets of wetness. I soon joined her in the act. Suddenly this ordinary thing, a splashing of hands in itty bitty puddles, became so beautiful, and so important.
It engulfed her and my entire focus and for a brief moment all that existed was baby, splashing, water, laughter.
Being fully present to the ordinary marvels of life is medicine for the soul.
What’s that phrase? And a little child shall lead them?
So if you feel like life is a bit dull or run of the mill these days, close your eyes, take a deep breath and think of a beautiful baby girl splashing her hands in tiny puddles — then open your eyes and look again.
Seek to see what she sees; the beauty in the not so ordinary.
