Pockets of paradise
For many of us, our days seem to be filled with WhatsApp, Facebook and coaching classes. We hardly ever stop to think of the daily joys that we usually take for granted. I like to call them “pocket gifts”. Haven’t we all felt the delight of reaching into our pockets and unexpectedly discovering money, chocolate, a lost piece of jewellery or a long misplaced note? With each new surprise comes reminiscence. I think of all these surprises that in our rush through life we often overlook, and collect them in my thoughts — paradise, which the dictionary defines as “exhilarated joy or a state of bliss or delight”.
Pocket experiences are special discoveries waiting to be revealed on an early morning walk as the sun is beginning to rise. You can feel the exhilaration of life as you hear the singing birds. You may smell freshly cut grass or stop to look deep inside an open flower to discover the multitude of colours and textures that make up a single flower petal. You may witness a beautiful dragonfly with its transparent wings, gracefully flitting from one perch to another. The sky is the most fantastic show on earth and is given freely to each one of us.
Collect these in your remembrance pocket and empty its contents at the day’s end. You will unearth a special treasure that you discovered and is yours to keep.
Why do we always overlook the bounties of nature in our daily lives? Why do we always get the time to appreciate the breathtaking sights of the sky and the sea only on a holiday? Nature is a part of us and we are a part of nature. So from now on, pause for a moment, come out into your garden or balcony at night and look at the moon. Or if you are stuck in a traffic jam search around for a beautiful butterfly or a dragonfly. Collect these in your remembrance pocket and empty its contents at the day’s end. You will unearth a special treasure that you discovered and is yours to keep.
Appreciate all the good things that have happened and take time to let your imagination wonder with the joy of each discovery. Take time to look around at the beauty and peace nature can offer.