Invocation and Random Little Pleasures

In this, the first blog entry, I offer an invocation. May my thoughts always be clear and seek to express the truth. May my language be precise and free of typos. May my posts be coherent and avoid rambling Gish Gallops through fields of unrelated fancy. May I find a way to express myself that connects to others and prompts reflection and introspection.

With the invocation out of the way, I would like to start my first discussion on the little pleasures in life.

It strikes me that as an atheist, little pleasures can mean more than they might to a very religious person. Sure, everyone enjoys certain activities, but how does the enjoyment of the little things mesh with a religious life? Are little pleasures rewards from a god sent down for good behavior or a spot-on prayer? Are they temptations from a devil to lead you away from a saintly life? Do they have any meaning at all? It's a good question for the religious to ask themselves.

For me, little pleasures are just what they are. They exist in the moment and pass with time. They are to be savored right then and there because they will disappear. They may be a reward - but of the worldly kind - from myself or a special person for some perceived accomplishment or favor. They may be a temptation because they may take me away from a promised duty or a wish to improve myself.

To me, the importance of little pleasures lies in their transitive nature. Whether reward or temptation, they are fleeting. They are to be grasped now or be lost. Yes, some may return in another moment, but if I bypass them in this moment, the enjoyment for this moment is lost.

Here are a few little pleasures for today that I feel I enjoyed

-the feeling of warm softness of my cat's fur

-the lushness of remaining in bed, semi-awake with no urgency to rise and start the day

-the bitter tang of coffee while reading the news

-the joyful color of summer flowers in the garden

-the sight of butterflies moving from flower to flower

Here's hoping you have many little pleasures in your day!