Simple Pleasures sparking joy in September
Each month I write a list of simple pleasures which have sparked joy during the month. I enjoy noticing the season we are in and reminding myself what I connected to in nature during the month, as well as the simple day to day activities which brought joy. Reminding myself of even the smallest joys helps me appreciate and capture the season, and month to month can notice how they shift. Making my list helps me live more intentionally, and connected to the seasons.
Noticing and appreciating the simple pleasures in day to day life became one of the first ways I started living more intentionally. Sometimes the moments would arrive out of nowhere, spotted in nature, others have become favourite things to seek out and do during the month. As I learnt to notice more I began to appreciate more of the simple things in life, and feel a sense of joy when I experienced them. The small moments were felt mostly when I connected to my senses, when I appreciated the glimmers, and noticed the simpler parts of my weeks or days.
By noticing the simple moments I grew a deeper connection to the seasons in nature and cultivated more gratitude for the small moments. We don’t always need to be seeking new experiences or new places to find joy they can arrive in the everyday moments.
What I love about simple pleasures is how unique they can be for each of us. One person will likely have a list of simple pleasures which may be different to next, shaped by the different phases of our lives, our passions and interests and the environment we live in. Each month I create a list of simple pleasures I’ve noticed during the month.
September was a month of easing back into the normal daily rhythms of school drop offs, work days and enjoying the warm days.
Here’s my list for September
Savouring the new school run
We started a new school run this month as my daughter has moved from the infants to junior site at her school. It has changed my mornings and I’m finding ways to get used to the shorter school run. In a positive way it has helped me connect with the time of day when I do my best thinking and best work. However the school run is shorter and we have less time to chat each day.
Looking down and noticing the fallen seeds
After a windy and stormy night there were fallen seeds and nuts on the pavement near our home. Overnight it felt like the season had shifted and I was reminded of what is to come in autumn.
Time spent reading a beautiful magazine
My lovely friend Lara has created a brand new magazine and creative club called Innish&Co. I spent time savouring her new magazine.
The warmth of the sunshine
The sunshine in September felt very different than in August. I enjoyed being in the sun as it was less intense and felt the goodness I could absorb from it. The summer sunshine was far too hot for me, but the sun in September was just perfect. My garden started to recover with the rain and the gentle warmth.
Space to dream and plan
During the first few weeks of September I used the energy of the month to take a few intentional hours each week to dream and plan. I managed to create ideas for our home, our garden and my business. I loved the energy I felt whilst doing it as I felt a shift happening with ideas.
Lighting a candle over breakfast
At the Autumn Equinox we start the rhythm of lighting a candle over breakfast. I love this moment in our mornings bringing a cosy glow.
Stirring porridge in a pan
Porridge season is back for us and there is a real sense of joy felt as milk and oats warm and create a nourishing creamy bowl of energy for the morning.
Pouring a cup of tea whilst the rain falls outside
One morning I was making my second cup of tea in the day and it was raining outside. The sound of the rain outside felt comforting and I felt a sense of relief that our parched land is filling with water once more.
What would you put on your list for September?
