The magic of ordinary things In our day-to-day lives, we often overlook the magic that surrounds us. We are so wrapped up in our routines and busyness that we fail to truly appreciate the beauty and wonder in the ordinary things around us. But if we take a moment to pause, observe, and appreciate, we will discover that even the most mundane objects and experiences hold a certain magic. Take, for example, a simple cup of coffee. At first glance, it may seem like just another beverage to help wake us up in the morning. But if we stop to truly savor the aroma, taste, and warmth, we can experience a moment of pure bliss.
Jim and I met in London in1942. I was stationed there, part of the Women’s Army Corps. She laughs and her brown eyes sparkle like something lit them from the inside. Drove ambulances and smuggled supplies.
Overstuffed chairs in deep blue and sofas in soft greys and greens fill the space, occupied by lots of seniors, but most of them stare into the distance, looking lost against the warm sand-colored walls trimmed with white crown molding. Overstuffed chairs in deep blue and sofas in soft greys and greens fill the space, occupied by lots of seniors, but most of them stare into the distance, looking lost against the warm sand-colored walls trimmed with white crown molding.
But if we stop to truly savor the aroma, taste, and warmth, we can experience a moment of pure bliss. The steam rising from the cup, the rich aroma, the smoothness of the liquid against our lips - each aspect holds a certain enchantment that can transport us to a place of comfort and relaxation. Similarly, the sound of rain falling on a windowpane may seem like nothing more than a natural occurrence.
The magic of doing ordinary things.
There was a labourer in a village in India. One day he decided to do something fairly ordinary. He decided to start digging a hole in a mountain. 22 years later, when he finally stopped digging, he had finished carving a path through the hills so that his village could have easier access to medical attention. Dashrath Manjhi had accomplished an extra ordinary task by doing something fairly ordinary, digging. The "mountain man" had moved a mountain.
Planting a tree/sapling I think is a fairly ordinary/easy thing to do. I grow several in my balcony. A man by the name Jadev Payeng, decided that he wants to plant trees. He kept doing that every day. Planting all types of trees and tending to them. Today 30 years later, he is called the “Forest Man” of India. A forest of 1,360 acres with many wild animals, is a result of this one man doing the ordinary task of planting a tree everyday.
Everyone is looking for and wanting to do extra ordinary things, to get ahead in life. Parents want their children to be super achievers. When we interview candidates for jobs, we are looking for someone who has done something extra ordinary.
Everyone of us are not extra ordinary achievers.
Not all of us came first in class. Not all of us are Olympians. Not all of us have flown to space. Not all of us are CEOs of companies. Not all of us are Steve Jobs, Indra Nooyi, Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson, Barrack Obama etc.
But each & everyone of us can do ordinary things.
Doing ordinary things is under rated. But there is a certain magic in doing ordinary things and doing them well. And if we can do many many ordinary things really really well, it automatically becomes an extra ordinary feat.
When I think of a typical work day, there are many many ordinary & easy things that come to mind. Showing up on time, making a job list, asking others for help, helping others, being polite & respectful to people, being friendly, having a good work ethic, being patient, having the right attitude, being willing to learn, trying to do extra, making an effort, being prepared, learning to say no, listening, having a laugh. The list goes on…..
These are ordinary things that do not require an incredible IQ. It just needs to be done. Now imagine if each & everyone of us did this and did this well, everyday. Wouldn’t it be an extraordinary office & working environment?
I strive to be the ordinary guy who can do many many ordinary things really really well. Because doing ordinary things well, is quite extra ordinary. 😊
But if we listen closely and let it wash over us, we can be transported to a state of tranquility. The rhythmic patter of raindrops can create a soothing melody that lulls us into a meditative state, providing a much-needed respite from the noise and chaos of the world outside. Even the act of walking through nature can be a magical experience. The sight of a blooming flower, the rustling of leaves, the feeling of soft grass beneath our feet - each sensation can awaken our senses and remind us of the beauty and vitality of the natural world. The colors, textures, and scents that surround us in nature have a way of energizing and rejuvenating us, offering a sense of solace and connection to something greater than ourselves. Of course, it's not just in objects or experiences that we can find magic. The people we encounter in our daily lives, too, can hold their own brand of enchantment. A smile from a stranger, a kind word from a friend, a shared laugh with a loved one - these small acts of human connection can bring joy and warmth to our lives. They remind us that we are not alone, that we are part of a larger tapestry of humanity. Ultimately, the magic of ordinary things lies in our ability to pause, observe, and appreciate the present moment. It is in these moments of presence and awareness that we can truly see the magic that is inherent in the world around us. So let us strive to live each day with open eyes and open hearts, ready to embrace the magic that can be found in even the most ordinary of things..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Secrets of Everyday Wonders"
1. Jane - 1 star - I was highly disappointed by "The Magic of Ordinary Things". The story lacked depth and substance, and I found the characters to be two-dimensional and unrelatable. The plot was predictable and cliché, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this novel to others.
2. David - 2 stars - "The Magic of Ordinary Things" fell short of my expectations. The writing style was mediocre, and the pacing was inconsistent. The author introduced several promising storylines but failed to develop them fully, leaving me frustrated and wanting more. I also found the dialogue to be forced and unrealistic. While there were a few enjoyable moments, they were overshadowed by the overall lack of depth in this book.
3. Emily - 3 stars - Although "The Magic of Ordinary Things" had an interesting premise, I feel it could have been executed much better. The plot had potential, but it often felt rushed and underdeveloped. The characters lacked complexity, making it difficult for me to connect with their struggles and motivations. Additionally, the writing style was overly simplistic, lacking the descriptive elements that could have brought the story to life. While the book had its moments, it left me wanting more depth and substance.