on little joys
musings on the little joys and wonder of life with the poet of this week's edition, Andrea Cohen
I am finally back at my desk, overlooking an ordinary view that keeps me excited daily. In a time when goals and intentions pop up all over my timeline, the pulley of little joys draws me closer.
The landscape around me looks forlorn yet poetic. I stepped out of the house today to soak in the winter scenery. My little birds of inspiration were going about their lives in the cold. Despite the low temperature, the place exuded warmth as I strolled along. The oneness, stillness, flow, call it whatever you may, graced its presence under the winter sun. The awe of little things has kept growing in me for the past few years. I tried to transfer this feeling to people around me for a long time without success. It doesn't mean they aren't blessed with the ability to feel what I felt. The doors will open when they catch a break from life's treadmill. I wish everyone a few moments of happiness that can be bestowed by the little miracles of life. I was trying to make a list of what enthralls my soul, here are some of my favourites:
- morning sunshine that streams through the window
- small birds of all kinds
- morning banter at our local cafe
- random acts of kindness ( the last one that keeps coming back to my memory was the man who gave me his umbrella as I waited for the rain to stop)
- mixing colours to create new shades
- my morning coffee time
- smiles exchanged in the neighbourhood park
- poetry of any kind :D
- people rooting for each other, I see that a lot on my Twitter timeline
- the smell of books and old bookshops ( one of my fav ones is in Camden town)
- mini dance routines throughout the day ( I reckon you to try it if you enjoy dancing. Its an instant mood uplifter)
- watching clouds pass by the window
- trees ( they can be the best friends that hold you and comfort you in silence )
- unexpected messages from friends who haven't been in touch
- Onbeing podcast ( I loooooove listening to it)
- my plant babies
- conversations with the elderly and the toddlers
- reading personal essays by some of my fav writers ( Joan Didion, Simone Weil, Rilke to name a few)
- wandering around museums
- an endless daily supply of hugs from K whenever the mood gladiators are on the battleground
- the rare days when I have been of help to my friends and family
This year, I intend to hone my inner eye to observe, rejoice and partake in the little things of life. To channel in more love and tenderness as I tread through the year. To be open to invitations and possibilities of wonder that accompany the tiny moments. To welcome uncertainty, moments of failure, and despair. To allow the feeling of sadness and let it wash over like a passing wave on difficult days. To take refuge in the solace of the infinitesimal things that bring wholesome joy.
On that note, the poet on my mind for this edition is Andrea Cohen. I find her poems simple and powerful. Some of these poems have made a permanent home in my heart. I hope you like them too.
Night Someone was talking quietly of lanterns— but loud enough to light my way. Lit Everyone can't be a lamplighter. Someone must be the lamp, and someone must, in bereaved rooms sit, unfathoming what it is to be lit. Summer, Lake You can't fish for light, or you can, but you have to throw it back.
While the world is arguing about the death of poetry, it is in full bloom in my world. Here is me trying to fish for more poems that can light our lives. Have a wonderful week ahead. Don’t forget to look out for the little things that can light your day.
PS: A friend and I are hosting a cosy, intimate poetry series at the Interintellect, with the first salon themed on Hope and Healing. Join us if you are interested :)