Importance of Noticing
This past week I was in Grants Pass Oregon camping on a beautiful property that our long-time friends have owned. We have been visiting them in Grant’s Pass for the past 30 years. There’s just something amazing about this small town. The people are kind, they help each other out when in need, and they honestly just appreciate the small things in life.
The property we were on overlooked the Applegate River and it was surrounded by huge trees that brought all types of nature. In the morning we just sat and drank our coffee and watched white Doves build a nest, carrying grass and branches from one part of the property to their nest high in the trees. It was so simple, and yet something I often wouldn’t slow down enough to appreciate in the hustle of daily life.
Small Town Restaurant
On our way to Grants Pass, we stopped in a little town called Silver Lake. There wasn’t much out there in this little desert-like town, but this tiny cafe was owned by some amazing hard-working women who greeted us with such love and joy. The food was incredible…despite the fact that I don’t regularly eat marbled rye buttered bread grilled with a greasy patty melt! Yet, I have to say, it was well worth the calories for the amazing taste and the community during that lunch experience. We also purchased some homemade toffee that was mouth-watering.
Water Is My Zen
Water has always been my peaceful place. When I am around it, or hear the drip of a fountain or rushing of a waterfall, I’m transformed to a place of contentment. While my siblings would never leave the beach…I’ve always been more of a mountain, river and lake girl. The roaring Applegate River as well as the vast stretch of the Rogue River was so calming and really brought me to my ventral vagal state. Even the restaurants we went to had beautiful fountains and ponds that transported me to a place of rest and relaxation.
We went wine tasting along the Rogue River on my Birthday and just got to sit along the bank, eating charcuterie boards filled with tasty cheeses and sipping Oregon-grown grapes in the lush green fields and park-like setting. It really is surreal to just embrace the simple aspects of nature, without any need to rush. Great conversation and the experience of Joy was certainly a huge part of this trip.
Find Your Simplicity
I know it’s hard sometimes in everyday life to remember these moments and embrace the small things. I am really trying to slow down a bit and really notice some of the beauty all around. I have plans to continue to create a space in my yard where hummingbirds and other beautiful birds can come feast on seeds and grab a cool drink of water. I want to add water features to my yard where I can sit and sip my coffee and remember to just slow down and appreciate the small things in life.
Find your simplicity in whatever it is that brings you peace, joy, and gratitude. Life is too short to live without noticing the very small things that live all around us. We just need to stop, breathe and appreciate the little gems of nature all around us. So I encourage you to find a few things that bring a smile to your face, and help you access that calm parasympathetic state of the ventral vagal so you can experience the beauty of life amongst the mundane parts of your day.
