At a recent Arlington Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at Tryst, many people were raving about the coffee. One woman said that she had recently decided she was “old enough” to deserve the indulgence of good coffee.  “It is such a little thing and yet I get so much pleasure from it.” Another woman mentioned her decision to drink her favorite bottled water instead of an off-brand, and how liberating it felt. They both agreed the difference was pennies and their enjoyment was enormous.

This got me thinking about the simple indulgences of everyday life and how they can bring such pleasure at little or no cost in money, time or calories.

What is a “simple indulgence”?  Things like bubble baths, rock climbing, needlepoint and train travel come to mind. These are all wonderful, but not so “simple” for our busy lives.  How about the things that we can easily integrate into our daily lives? Good coffee takes no longer to brew than ordinary coffee. Your favorite bottled water can be bought at the same store that carries the off-brand.

Here are some suggestions for Simple Indulgences. Try them or create your own:

       Buy fresh flowers for yourself at the local market or subway kiosk

       Savor a cup of fine tea instead of the usual

       Use or wear things now that you save for “special” occasions

       Spritz on the perfume that has been forgotten on your dresser

       Wear your favorite silk scarf or those fantastic earrings

       Set the dinner table with your Grandmother’s candle sticks

       Delight in fine chocolates: dark chocolate has antioxidants and fewer calories. (Excellent brands like Scharffen Berger and Valhrona can be found at your local Trader Joe’s.) Just follow the “Why French Women Don’t Get Fat” maxim of small portions.

       Use organic produce or a free-range chicken for that special dish

       Open a window to let in fresh air and bird song on a warm day

       Play those great CD’s that fell to the back of the cabinet

       Move a meal, or that cup of coffee, outside when the weather is inviting

       Choose a pen that is a pleasure to write with, instead of the freebie ballpoint you have to push across the page

Delight your five senses.

Someone said “We remember the moments, not the days.” Seize those moments and brighten them with simple indulgences.

One of the joys of getting older is realizing that among the best things in life is simply sharing time with friends. Not entertaining, not creating an event as an excuse to see someone; but simply getting together and sharing laughter and life together. Simple indulgences can be shared with a friend or several friends. A tete a’ tete over coffee or tea can be low cal, low cost and spontaneous.

 Tips

If connections with friends are dusty and underused, try energizing the Helpful People/Travel area of your Ba-Gua. “Helpful People” include friends, mentors, networking connections, etc.  The Helpful People/Travel area of the Ba-Gua can be found in the lower right hand corner of your room or home, as you stand in the doorway.  First de-clutter. Then place mementos of friends: snapshots, postcards, business cards, etc.  If you wish to widen you circle of friends place a healthy plant, a lamp or archetypal images of friends or the “family of humankind” in that area. Add an intention.

Shake off the lethargy of winter and connect!

“Old friends are always best. Unless you catch a new one that’s fit to make an old one out of.” Sarah Orme Jewett, author.