Community Reflections: The Simplest Things That Bring Joy

It is a great privilege to be able to enjoy the bread-and-cheese of life — the simple pleasures, of which there are so many.

Charles Edward Jerningham

Each day, we offer a Daily Question in our Practice Space to inspire grateful reflection. We appreciate and learn from the joyful, poignant, and vulnerable responses that appear. 

We offer the following selection of responses to one of our recent Daily Questions. May these reflections serve as inspiration for deepening your own gratefulness practice.

What are the simplest things that bring you joy?

“Breathing freely and easily is a simple joy and it is fundamentally essential. The joy of the breath is my anchor to life blossoming in the present moment, the only place where we are truly alive to experience life.”
— Antoinette

“The night sky with at least one visible star – all the better with a familiar constellation.”
— Chester

“Nature, painting, been driven in the passenger seat, praying, being around open minded people, and bubble baths (5-5-7 breathing tool is highly effective for those who cope with mental health conditions).”
— k’Care-Reena

“Watching videos or looking at photos of my grandchildren, as well as memories & photos of our deceased beloved dog, Pema, my wife’s laughter, and chatting & hanging out with friends.”
— GregC

“Walking in the wild, breakfast, breathing, the feel of my hands in my dog’s fur, noticing a beautiful detail in the big picture of my vision, a moving line of music, the ticking of a clock, the early stages of a fire as it grows into the grate. Yet none of this is simple really. When I see the complex beauty, there is wonder within the joy.”
— Malag

“A sunrise /sunset
A warm shower
The forest
My books
My tribe
Contemplation/meditation
A gentle breeze
A compassionate touch”
— pashnault

“Faces: the incredible expressions we all make, the crinkle in the corner of the eyes, the slope or square or button of a nose, and the profound way a smile can impact my day.”
— Trish

“Clean bed sheets, clean PJ’s and a warm shower. Simple things.”
— nadders

“Breathing
A pet
A smile
A dance
A sharing
The sun – then moon – the clouds – the stars
The ocean
A friend – a loved one – feeling loved
A taste – a sight – a touch – a sound – a scent
My feet hitting the floor each AM”
— Cathie

“Dancing with my sweet Kitty, who comes running as soon as she hears the music.”
— Debra

“A crisp sunny winter day beckoning me to the ski trails!”
— Elaine

“The simplest things that bring joy to me is family — they’re the one who keeps me laughing and smiling. Food brings joy to me knowing that it’s making me healthier. Friends bring me joy because they’re always supportive and making me laugh nonstop.”
— Tamia

“Getting a good grade or a text message from someone special. Even rewatching a movie I love.”
— Liz

“Rubbing my lap cat’s belly each morning. Writing in my journal.”
— Cliff

“Taking my walk — I may not be able to go as far as I use to but the fresh air is so invigorating. My first cup of coffee each morning; spending time with my son; a phone call or a snail mail letter from a friend (I love snail mail!); listening to music; looking at pictures that hold cherished memories; baking goodies for family, friends and neighbors.”
— Carol

“The birds in winter that hover unafraid as I fill the bird feeder. My dogs that bark with excitement as I prepare to go out and play with them. Bringing a smile to someone’s face. Starting a new book. Morning meditation and yoga.”
— Jacqueline

“In the garden, sun on my face and hands in the soil.”
— Don

Photo by Olesia Buyar