Simple Pleasures

Look for beauty that is all around you.

Someone asked the Prophet:

“What dost thou say concerning the things of

the world?”

The Prophet said: “What can I say about

them:

Things which are acquired with hard labor,

preserved with watchfulness,

and left with regret.”

Ansari

We are meant to enjoy this life in an infinite variety of ways. The more self-aware and self-accepting we become, the happier we will be. If days seem to go by before we know it, it can be because we forget to be aware and attentive to the smaller pleasures in life. Sufi wisdom softens and opens us to love, and this includes an attitude of compassion for our own being.

The Sufi master Ansari wants you to realize that you were born with potential. You already possess everything you need to enjoy life. You are protected in the loving arms of a divine creator. Stay focused to truly accept what is coming to you in this present moment. When you are faced with challenges, try and meet them with a positive attitude. Goals that bring you peace are achievable through perseverance.

Dear one, inner peace or happiness is not what you have to work to achieve; they are what you experience through trusting your higher self. They are present in every moment. To the Sufis, happiness is centered on having control of our desires, doing what we are guided to do to achieve this, and developing a proper relationship with our community. Be aware, just like the Sufis, and whisper a prayer of thanks as you awaken to the little things.

Mantra

Every hour of my life brings me a variety of pleasurable experiences. I am realizing they may never come again. I will accept the sweet pleasure of the gifts of the little things and live in grateful appreciation.