“If we had a keen vision of all that is ordinary in human life, it would be like hearing the grass grow or the squirrel's heart beat, and we should die of that roar which is the other side of silence.” George Eliot
What is the importance of the ordinary in life?
This may sound weird but sometimes I envy the simply life of animals. I feel bad they can't ask for what they want or need but their needs are simple. Our dog had it made because we made sure she was fed and cared for. And she took such joy in just a walk or us coming back in the house from the mailbox. I think I am most comfortable with the ordinary..outside of that, almost anything (noise, crowds, etc.)in excess starts to get me anxious.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Krystal--I am most comfortable with the ordinary, too. And animals do live so simply and so honestly, without all the drama of humans!
DeleteBoth your comments reminded me of a quote my mom always says. Something to the likes of, "The more I get to know humans, the more I love animals." It's quite true though. The simplicity of animals is something to be envious of. No drama, no emotions, just the basics. I, too envy the life of animals!
DeleteI like that quote, Yaya.
DeleteBrilliant quote!
ReplyDeleteThe ordinary life... I think it is important to celebrate because often we with mental illness get so caught up in how our illness in manifesting that we don't take the time to realize how wonderful things like fresh air are.
Yes, Elizabeth, you're right--something "simple" like fresh air is one of life's wonderful things that we can too easily ignore or take for granted.
DeleteAh, the ordinary provides stability and something comforting because we are familiar with it. Although, I'm not sure I would want everything to be ordinary all the time - could get a little boring!
ReplyDeleteI love squirrels - they are so cute. : )
Sunny, the ordinary does provide that stability, and I need that for sure. I love squirrels, too--they're so energetic and focused--and cute.
DeleteOooh, great quote! I love the ordinary. A cloudy day reading a book is just perfectly wonderful to me.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I am happiest with the ordinary. A day reading a book is a good day.
DeleteI have always longed for something more than the ordinary, the mostly unattainable 'extraordinary-ness'. As I get older or even as I get more ill, I long for the ordinary and the simplicity of it.
ReplyDeleteYaya, I think as I get older, too, I realize more of the importance of the ordinary and how that makes up such an important piece of my life.
DeleteI think seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's there if we look for it, isn't it, Jodi?
DeleteI think the moment something goes wrong we become aware of how special the ordinary actually is, and how much we often take it for granted.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Klaaske. I tend to take the simple and the ordinary for granted until it's interrupted by something.
DeleteI agree with Jodi--finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.
ReplyDeleteBecky, And it's right there in front of us, if we will only look.
DeleteOh my goodness! I LOVE squirrels! They're the cutest little things and I have such a fondness for them.
ReplyDeleteThe college I attended is actually well known for its squirrel population. They run around all over the campus and they're just precious! They'll even let people feed them on occasion :)
Alisha, we have a lot of squirrels that hang out in our yard, espcially where we have several oak trees. We enjoy watching them.
DeleteI like your idea of balance, Susan. That makes so much sense to me, but it's so hard for me to do!
ReplyDelete