“It is by studying little things that we attain the great art of having as little misery and as much happiness as possible.”
Samuel Johnson
What are the “little things” Johnson is thinking of here?
The major events of Johnson’s lifetime were the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and the idea of the human right to democratic government (the American and French revolutions came after his death).
These were really big movements, made up of small discoveries.
On the other hand, microscopes were undergoing innovations at the time. Maybe Johnson was thinking of the microcosm. Maybe he was considering how to make a really good cup of tea.
“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.”
Eleonora Duse, Italian actress (1858-1924)
What are your simple things, and little things, that make you rejoice?
24 comments:
Such gorgeous photos.
Little things that matter? A kind word, a loving touch, the frost on trees, my kids laughing.. and that first fresh coffee in the morning!
i have no name for the simple things that bring me peace, knowing that they are there again today is enough.
I love to look at trees and flowers, anything growing.
Running in the woods, on trails is a passion of mine.
Secretia
a cup of coffee in the morning, snuggles as the boys wake up, watching people be neighbors...the smiles of children...love notes....
I've only in the last year started seeing God in ordinary things--smiles, snowflakes, eyes--it has made the little things huge.
I am home with the 8 dogs while hubby is out of town. I was up this morning early enough to see the sunrise. I went out in the freezing cold to walk the dogs and got to hear a woodpecker..the first this year. I also have time to read all my blogger friends with a hot cup of coffee and npr in the background. Its the little things.
Have an inspiring weekend!
Namaste
When I first get up in the morning and open the front room curtains, if the bright orange sun is coloring the sky at the horizon I am mesmerized. I stand at the window watching as the bright orange ball moves up higher into the sky. That is awesome and such a wonderful way to finish waking up!! This is one of the things that has helped my spirits remain in joy during this long winter. I also sit at the kitchen table watching birds in the back yard. Hundreds of them every day. And an orange bird that looks like it flew into orange paint. I push back the snow over the area I have herbs planted and peek at the parsley and oregano and they are strong and wonderful in their under snow world for the winter. So if all around me nature is content so then I can be too.
These are amazing photos...don't you love macro shots?
I truly love and find joy and peace in the simple things. I soak them up whenever possible. Sometimes on my walk, I'll just stop and breathe deep, feeling the breeze on my face, hearing the birds singing or the water flowing and I'm renewed.
Listening to my grandchildren laughing.
Sitting in front of the fireplace.
Drinking a great cup of coffee.
Silence.
I love to see the first buds on the trees in the spring & the flowers starting to bloom. Watching nature in its many shapes & forms is so beautiful.
Just delurking for a minute to tell you that I really enjoy your blog and I've linked to this for my Sunday post. Did you take those photos? - G
Delightful!!
Thank you for this inspiration.
It is that time of year for me when every small growth in my garden is noticed. It is spring. Spring is Joy for me!!
Every word from my grandson's mouth makes my heart swell as I recognize the little person who has joined our family.
Have a fantastic weekend full of small joys.
xoxo
Right now a little sunshine would do wonders. Four inches of snow fell last night! Guess I will have to go shopping!
I love the sight of a seed sprouting, or a bulb poking up a green shoot through the soil Gardeners and Christians are hopeful people, and these green signs fill me with hope.
By the way, what is that first photo of? It looks like something from an alien universe :)
Terra
I can see glimpses of your lives as you tell us these things that bring you joy. Those glimpses are like these photos of mine, momentary closeups of your humanity. I love the sensation of looking closely at your life for a second. It makes me feel like a sister.
The simple things today include the waves lapping on the hull, the warmth of my sweetheart next to me, the dog gently snoring, the wind vibrating the shrouds, and a good breakfast on the cook stove. Life is just beautiful today.
I am fascinated with the seven things you posted yesterday, I too am a rock hound and daughter of one. I too love stone, mosaic and garden art.
I love your photos.
Simple things:
To know the loved ones are there
To breathe and attend and engage
To give or recieve or to share
To listen to the words on the page
Thank you for en-musing us!
Dear One,
Di
The simple things always fill me with joy. Great post!
Simple things.......
snow flakes falling softly upon my tongue
eating a bowl of chili slowly
little boys playing in the snow
neighbor helping neighbor clear the walks of snow
a little girl finding a special doll at the thrift store...
the unexpected kind word..........
:)
A wonderful post!
My joyful things include rolling outside on a clear day to enjoy the feel of the sun on my skin,
Playing with my three cats, and having lap time with each,
A steaming cuppa (tea) on a cold night,
A piece of inspired writing that I don't agonise over,
Making the decision to enjoy the day no matter what happens...
I can only imagine you being as eloquent as your writing and blogs, simple for me is always the best, warm bubble baths, my little dog snoring in my ear while I go to sleep, the warmth of good coffee in the morning, the happiness of H and J when they are with us, being sober, love...
simple not always easy...
love
I like Eleonora Duse's quote...nice contemplative post, EO...nice to meet you....
Thanks for your lovely messege this morning. I have put e-mail in my profile since then if you would care to send a messege.
Have a great night!
Enjoyed yours so much Chris. I decided to play too.
http://inovermyhead-magpie.blogspot.com/2010/03/playing-with-macro.html
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