Simple pleasures.
That phrase elicits joy, peace, and honest tranquility. What is a simple pleasure for one can be a mild annoyance or extreme irritant for another.
In my case, one of my simple pleasures is a tall glass with ice, and full to just under the brim with Dr Pepper. Something about the clinking of the ice, the small bits of moisture that escape the confines of the glass because of the fizz, and the condensation on the outside of that tall glass just make it an experience I love to savor.
There are many kinds of simple pleasures. A hammock in the backyard, with a gentle breeze blowing. A good book in a comfy leather chair. A cold beverage and a hot dog at the ballgame.
What is it about these things that make us crave them so? They are, by definition, simple!
They require little, to no thought at all to achieve, and yet they are sometimes the most rewarding part of a busy or hectic day. All they require is the mindset of enjoying a small and relaxing gesture. The ability to step back from oneself and recognize that “yeah, this is the good stuff”.So often we try to plan out our relaxation, with quite disastrous results at times! How many vacations have you been on that were planned to the Nth detail, only to come home even more exhausted than when you left?
When I was in New York this summer to visit my brother, on my last day there I took a day to explore a little. I went to Central Park and walked around. (I’ve talked before in this column about some other experiences that week.) I was walking at a brisk pace because it was my last day, and I wanted to make sure I saw what I wanted to see. Then I realized, I needed to slow down, and relax.
I found a nice cozy, shady spot under a tree, and sat down and read a book I’d bought. I laid back and looked through the trees at the birds and squirrels playing above me. (Mindful of what might fall on me, mind you!) I saw a mother and her son playing, two young lovers in an embrace, and a few other guys like me, just resting.
I put my head on my bag, got comfy, and fell asleep for a few minutes. It was the most peaceful nap I have ever taken. Granted, I had the strap of my bag wrapped around my arm so nobody could snatch it; this is New York we’re talking about here! (Yeah, I never saw anything like that, but you hear enough stories and you start to believe things!!)
Find your simple pleasure, be it a tall drink of the beverage of your choice, that big comfy chair, or time spent with that certain someone. If you don’t know what your simple pleasure is, then take a look around you when you feel the most rested and at peace, and there you have it!
Ben Cox is the morning show host of “Ben Cox in the Morning” on KQBZ, 96.9 FM in Brownwood, Texas. He is the new in-stadium voice of the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets football team, & Ben is also an event DJ for weddings, parties and the like, and can be contacted through the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce.
The thoughts and comments reflected in this column are those of the writer alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of Wendlee Broadcasting, or its affiliates.
