The ordinary transforms into the extraordinary

Are you still chasing happiness? Desperately searching for those moments that light up your soul, bring a smile to the world and fill you with pleasure? Most of us are a part of that same search party. The problem is that, after the initial discovery, we join another search party and repeat and repeat and repeat. And, in spite of our discoveries of those fleeting happy moments, it is exhausting.

The more time I spend on this planet, the more I realize that the deep and very real gift of a spiritual reflective practice is contentment – lasting in its presence – along with momentary glimpses of happiness.

When I am relaxed and focused in silent contemplation, joyful awareness is palpable and I am at peace. The location of my practice is immaterial. Sitting in my back yard, floating in a state of il dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing), as the Italians say, is as elegant as walking in the woods, sitting at the edge of a stream or in a field of wild flowers. In those moments I am able to gaze upon creation and lean into it while I marvel at its wonder. I touch a little part of heaven.

We have a few weeks left of this month of August where the days are more relaxed and we are invited to embrace them. Take the coffee break, walk in the park, cherish the quiet of the forest, enjoy and pause in the inner beauty of it all. Good day? Tough day? Let the day be carried by the summer winds and welcome the beauty of the breeze itself.

Take in the awe of the ordinary moments and relish them for their simplicity. For in that simplicity, we gain connection to The Divine, to the wonder of the everyday Universe.

The ordinary transforms into the extraordinary and there, in that moment, happiness finds us. No search party needed.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington is an Interfaith Minister who celebrates sacred celebrations, provides Chaplain Services and speaks internationally on Interfaith as a way forward. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com for sacred celebrations and spiritual coaching.