Searching for Daily Delights

In episode 178 of my podcast: Strewing, Unschooling, and Charlotte Mason, I mentioned a book called The Book of Delights, written by Ross Gay:

‘In The Book of Delights, one of today’s most original literary voices offers up a genre-defying volume of lyric essays written over one tumultuous year. The first nonfiction book from award-winning poet Ross Gay is a record of the small joys we often overlook in our busy lives. Among Gay’s funny, poetic, philosophical delights: a friend’s unabashed use of air quotes, cradling a tomato seedling aboard an airplane, the silent nod of acknowledgment between the only two black people in a room. But Gay never dismisses the complexities, even the terrors, of living in America as a black man or the ecological and psychic violence of our consumer culture or the loss of those he loves. More than any other subject, though, Gay celebrates the beauty of the natural world–his garden, the flowers peeking out of the sidewalk, the hypnotic movements of a praying mantis. 

The Book of Delights is about our shared bonds, and the rewards that come from a life closely observed. These remarkable pieces serve as a powerful and necessary reminder that we can, and should, stake out a space in our lives for delight.’

I haven’t yet read this book – I’ve just bought a copy -but already it has inspired me to search for daily delights:

I’ve noticed the golden evening sun reflecting off the topmost leaves of the gum trees outside our living room window.

I’ve smiled at the fat sulphur-crested cockatoos swaying on the ends of bare winter tree branches, a bouquet of oversized white and yellow flowers.

I’ve kneaded the soft velvet fur on the top of our dog’s head and delighted in her Shar-Pei wrinkles.

My nose has greedily inhaled the wafting aroma of chocolate brownies baking in the oven.

The cold morning air has kissed my face while I’ve been running through the bush.

I’ve savoured the excitement in a daughter’s voice as she’s shared her ideas.

The thoughtfulness of sisters helping each other has touched my heart.

I’ve soaked up the joy of a quiet hour reading a book…

Searching for delights helps when we’re having a difficult time. Sprinkled between the challenges are gifts that remind us that Someone cares about us. We’re loved. There’s hope. Despite the grey, there’s still abundant beauty in our lives. 

Delights encourage us to focus on the positives rather than the negatives of parenting and learning. Why worry that our child hasn’t yet conquered the art of spelling? She can still write delightful stories that make us smile! And does it really matter that our home is a mess? Look at the delight in our playing child’s eyes!

If we look past the ordinary, we might discover the extraordinary.

So, why not search for a daily delight? Slow down, peer around, listen with attention, savour the flavours, inhale deeply, feel. What will you discover?

Will someone envelop you in a hug of love?

Perhaps you’ll appreciate the aroma of a good cup of coffee.

Will you take pleasure in your wriggling bare toes?

Maybe an exhilarating feeling will rush through your hard working body.

Will you see a mushroom under a tree, birds balancing on a power line, a rainbow, a dog riding on a motorcycle?

Will your children remind you how uniquely wonderful they are?

Perhaps you’ll delight in a new idea.

Will you see beauty, truth and goodness?

Will you be glad you are you?

Photos

These are some more photos of a delightful photography outing that I recently enjoyed with my daughter Sophie.

Why not stop by and share your delights? Or you could share them in our Unschooling Together Community. This week’s unschooling challenge is a delightful one. Please feel welcome to join us!