Gorgeous, everyday luxuries

Sometimes I struggle with being in the present.  I forget to appreciate the beauty of everyday pleasures.  I don't just mean a divine cup of coffee or the birds melodically chirping outside, although those count.  I find that I am actually better at noticing and appreciating tiny indulgences and nature's backdrop than I am at the bigger security net of my life. 

I woke up today in a bed with a mattress, pillow, clean warm sheets, multiple fleecy blankets and a comforter.  This bed is located inside of a house that has electricity, running water, an interior heating/cooling system and advanced fiber-optic technology courtesy of Verizon.  Let's add to the picture the fact that I woke up in a place of safety, without fear of where my next meal would come from or if a militant mob would bust down the door guns blazing.  That's not to say that there isn't plenty of propaganda out there assaulting my eyes and ears on a daily basis, warning me of larger than life dangers that threaten to collapse all that I have previously mentioned as complete anarchy envelopes this country, in what has become truly epic fear mongering brought to us through the relatively recent development of news as a commercial product streamed live into our set top boxes and mobile devices.

Alas, it seems quite logical then why I tend to forget from time to time just how good I've really got it.  I'm constantly being shown images of those who supposedly have more than I do (and told that I should want it) while simultaneously being threatened with potential loss of all my "less than" current holdings.  It's absurd.

I suppose I am having this mental dialogue 1. because it's something other than studying for my exam and 2. because I am thinking about traveling in the future where many of my current conveniences may not be available.  I'm taking a moment and appreciating that on the road it is going to be different.  Depending on where I'm at, life could be very different.   Granted, I do not plan on venturing into the Congo- but seeing as how I plan on continuing this website throughout my adventures, I've been thinking about internet access.  It may not be so easy to come by in some places. 

And what about stuff?  For anyone who has not seen George Carlin's hilarious bit about "Stuff" go watch it now.

As for Carlin's all-too-accurate description of our stuff versus other people's shit, we really do own a colossal amount of crap.  In that vein, I actually am a big fan of living more simply, and am looking forward to forcibly owning less.  That said, making sure to have everything I need, especially safety and health-wise will be a big deal.  I also will truly not want to lose/have stolen anything important.  I do believe that people are remarkably overzealous with their concern and fear about what can happen somewhere else, but it pays to be smart.

Of course, at this stage in the game, I don't even know where I will be going and under what circumstances.  Will I be going into a country after already having procured employment?  Will I just pack up and go and figure out income on the road?   

All of these thoughts are dancing around my brain when I really should be studying.  So very much on my mind these days.  The joy of a quiet mind.  What's that like?

photo credits: Pinterest and simpleijustdo.com