Blog post,  Jovial,  Life,  This and That

Enjoying Life’s Simple Pleasures: A Peaceful Moonlit Sky… and Gnats.

April 25, 2021

“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” 

—Guillaume Apollinaire

Late night reflections — from my corner of the globe.

Has been a minute since I have felt like sharing. As one who rarely holds back with offering an opinion or unsolicited advice (truth, lol!), I simply haven’t had the energy to write, much less a spare thought to volunteer.

This particular night, I am sitting quietly with my thoughts, trying to will away waves of symptoms that keep coming over me. Persistent and determined, this current series of symptoms… flare… or whatever “this” is—miserableness, doing its best to rain on my happy parade.

Earlier in the evening I was blessed with a momentary break in feeling shi… umm, lousy. Was able to move myself outside to the patio (no small effort, but definitely celebratory!). A comfy chaise lounge stays parked a few short feet from the patio doors. Vacant. Inviting. Patiently waiting for me to brush off it’s dusty, desert-y layer and sit for a spell. Our unexpected reacquaintance this fine evening was most delightful.


The following 33 second video is a peak into this peaceful, moonlit evening. And an example of why this night “out” was so meaningful. Worth sharing for others to enjoy.

Volume on for full ambiance:

Not sure I can fully express what an absolute blessing it was to sit outside, to just be; to witness the evening skyline gracefully fade from dusk into nightfall; to watch the mountain hues shuffle through hints of pink, making their way toward shadowy silhouettes; to admire the fullness of the moon’s glow, mysteriously illuminating from behind hazy clouds. Such a peaceful, ‘good for the soul’ experience—simply sitting in the fresh, cool evening air. Grateful for being out of bed. Thankful for the beautiful view. Appreciating the simple pleasures… that happen to be some of the most grandiose of givings this life has to offer.

The glowing moonlight and blissful calm was beyond wonderful, in spite of pesky gnats determined to move me back indoors (as if my presence somehow disturbed their existence. Silly gnats!).

I am more than happy to share space with all of God’s creations. But seriously. I was having a moment! Breathing in the peacefulness and serenity. Out of bed. Outside. Enjoying the privacy of my backyard. Embracing the glorious evening. Just me and the moon.

And… a massive swarm of gnats.

Okay, maybe two or three. I didn’t count. That’s not the point. What appeared to be a gazillion pesky flying critters were on a mission. And completely messed with my zen. Precious. Limited. Valued. ZEN!

Calmness shifted. My meditative state was overcome by an internal battle of wills. Will I ignore the annoying fly-bys all around my face? Will I bear strength from the incessant nibbling at my limbs? Will I fight off the sensations of bugs crawling over my body, nesting in my hair? Will I return to my happy place and absorb the beauty and grace before me?

Nope. Not happening. Evening moonlight zen… zapped! The will of theses tiny gnats-from-hell proved victorious, as back inside I begrudgingly fled.

Gnats!

I imagine them buzzing around their little gnat community, boasting with pride as they bluster over (yet another) successful takedown of the weak and vulnerable homo-sapiens… (“silly human!”).

The Moon and it’s glowing glory was beyond what a camera phone could capture. In-person, the view was absolutely magnificent!

Perseverance + strength and I have become rather close over the years. It is, however, somewhat shameful (disappointing, as well as frightening) that itty-bitty, flying and/or crawling critters (especially ticks!) clearly can… and will… do all within their small-but-mighty power to break me/all of us.

Persistence is definitely a positive attribute. Can also be quite annoying! Undoubtedly, less than favorable when in the form of a nearly-invisible insect, invading one’s meditative, personal space. Serious ommm killer!

So lovelies, what little nugget of inspiration comes from such a peaceful, moonlit night turned gnat invasion?

No matter our circumstances, we humans really need to press pause more often, to take the time to see and listen and smell the beauty that is right in front of us… each and every day.

This means, yes, making ourselves stop to smell the roses, literally. We need to open up all of our senses. Bask in the warmth of glorious sunrises—closing our eyes to lean-in toward the sun’s rays as they fall against our face. If blessed with the ability of hearing, marvel at the birds as they sing their lovely verses. If blessed with the gift of sight, fully absorb the moon’s glow—and be awed by the reality that every living creation exists within the same universe… under the same moon. Fully witness breathtaking sunsets—watching the colors meld throughout the sky. Be amazed by all the things—all creations that live and grow (including annoying little gnats, that one might secretly wish to squish out of existence… in a loving way, of course!).

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” 

― Marcus Aurelius

Life is hard, kids. Perhaps not always, but a fair amount of this life is filled with struggle and disappointment. And waves of shtuff. When life presents the opportunity to press pause, to break from the norm, to be out in nature… to simply be… do it!

Sounds like “simple” stuff that just happens during a “normal” day, weekend or vacation. Not so much. Because… well, life! And for some, these “normal” activities are a significant undertaking… and a huge blessing when they do actually occur. Too many brave souls—hoping for improved health, fighting terminal illness, managing life with challenging abilities, coping with invisible mental/physical struggles that others cannot see—would welcome “simple” opportunities.

Oh, how we humans take our health, time outside enjoying nature, and most aspects of simple daily life for granted. I know this to be true, as that was pre-illness me to a T—coming and going without a care in the world or genuine appreciation of how wonderful this life truly is. We can be (and often are) extremely clueless, self-absorbed beings!

With these thoughts shared, I sincerely hope you/we make time for (and appreciate more) the simple pleasures in our lives each day. For every tiny moment is indeed quite grand!



Until my next Reflection…

Wishing you Bountiful Blessings, positive vibes, and oodles of gnat-free adventures outdoors appreciating nature.


PS… don’t forget to wear your bug + tick repellent when spending time outside. It could be the difference between wellness and illness… as well as, maintaining true zen!

  • All photos and video: taken by me, iPhone 11 Pro—no filters; Sonoran Desert, AZ.

Over here reflecting about life, illness + healing. Offering encouragement + empathy + support. Sharing smatterings of sarcasm + sass. Oozing with opinion. Speaking my truth. —tmm

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111 Comments

  • Carol Cole
    April 26, 2021 at 12:39 pm Reply

    Terry, you are an inspiration to me and I’m sure so many more!! I love you to the moon and back and continue to have you in my prayers…..I pray you have more good days …..love you precious lady…

  • Terri, Reclaiming Hope
    April 28, 2021 at 1:56 pm Reply

    I’m sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with the misery of symptoms Terry. I hope they’ll subside soon for you. I’m so glad you were able to (almost) enjoy your time outside. It’s such a wonderful thing to bask in the beauty and peace of nature. We have those awful little gnats here in Virginia too, and you’re right – they can definitely destroy your zen. I hope you’re able to have more nights outside. Sending hugs your way!

  • Despite Pain
    May 2, 2021 at 9:07 am Reply

    Terry, sorry you’ve been feeling so sh…bad. Spells like that just drain you completely, don’t they?

    I’m glad you manage to spend a little time outside to enjoy your surroundings. One of my first blog posts was about enjoying the little things because they are actually the big things. I think that applies especially when you live with chronic illness.

    I hope you start to feel a bit better soon. and I hope the gnats keep their distance. I have the same issue over here in Scotland but our little pesky insects are called midges. Small things that I really don’t enjoy!

    • Dawn
      May 5, 2021 at 8:32 am Reply

      Dear soul sister, ur writing is like walking on air in how u transport me into Nature & ur zen experience. You are the epitome of treasure the moment & truly see the beauty in all things. The spirit & songs of nature u describe take me to such beautiful places! God bless u warrior woman in always renewing our human spirit! Love u!

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