There is an all too familiar cliché, “stop and smell the roses”. And, what about “life is the journey, not the destination”? We’ve all heard these phrases, but do we actually ever listen? In our non-stop fast and furious lives, more often than not, we forget to enjoy life’s simple pleasures along the way.

This column is intended to remind us of the many simple joys in life that we sometimes overlook. It is a reminder of the vast richness of our rural livelihoods, and a reminder that slowing down to enjoy our environment does a body (and soul) good.

"Have you ever stopped to watch the sun as it dipped down behind the mountains in the evening?"

Have you ever hiked into the woods just to observe the wildlife? It is amazing how many types of creatures you will encounter if you look for them. What about watching the fog lift early in the morning? How about noticing the beauty in a dew drop gracefully setting on a leaf? Or the intricate weaving of a spider web as the sun shines through it? Have you smelled the steam as it rises up out of a maple syrup boiler?

Have you ever stopped to watch the sun as it dipped down behind the mountains in the evening? Studied the bark on a tree and felt the texture? Watched a rafter of turkeys make their way across a field? Noticed a goose gliding serenely on a pond? Ridden a horse bareback and let the wind whip through your hair? Let a cow lick your fingers with its scratchy tongue? Picked wildflowers along a winding country road? Harvested from a garden with bare feet, letting the dirt engulf your toes? Watched a bee gather pollen from a flower? Or stood in the rain on a warm summer night?

Have you ever thrown a hay bale on a hot summer day, or split wood with an ax? Eaten carrots right out of the dirt or grapes right off the vine? Picked apples, taste-testing them as you picked and climbing high into the tree to get the best ones? Watched a bird feeding her babies in a nest? Breathed in fresh, cold air on a winter morning, noting the designs your breath makes in steam as you exhale? Stood in a river watching minnows dart around your feet? Laid in the grass identifying constellations in the stars? Or sat outside watching fireflies glowing in the dark?

I encourage you to take a few moments now and then to slow down, even stop if you are so inclined, and enjoy the environment in which we live. Next time you feel the urge to go to the gym, try nature’s gym instead – walk or hike outside, play a sport, or just sit and take it all in. Next time you feel stressed, take a deep breath and pause to observe your environment. Next time you are at the market, park your vehicle far away and as you walk to your destination, pay close attention to your surroundings. (Those of you who know me know that I always park far away from everything, which also helps avoid being the recipient of an upsetting door-ding!) Do you notice any simple pleasures that you have missed in the past because you were operating on auto-pilot? The little things in life are most crucial to a meaningful existence; we just have to take the time to enjoy the journey.

By Lissa Stark