Mindfulness, Appreciation, and the Joy of Simplicity
In The Places That Scare You, Pema Chödrön reminds us that the key is not to escape life, but to be here—fully connected to the present moment.
Bodhicitta, the awakened heart she writes about, is not something abstract or reserved for meditation cushions. It is lived in the details of everyday life. In the way we pay attention. In how we take care of ordinary things.
Our pots and pans.
A vegetable being scrubbed.
Our hair being brushed.
When we stay present with these small gestures, something shifts. We are no longer rushing through life—we are participating in it. We are expressing appreciation, a quiet friendship toward ourselves and toward the living quality that exists in everything.
This is where joy begins.
The combination of mindfulness and appreciation anchors us in reality. It softens the sense of separation and allows us to experience a deeper trust in our basic goodness. We may still feel strong emotions, uncertainty, or vulnerability—but beneath it all, there is an openness we can rely on.
A joy that doesn’t depend on accumulation.
A happiness without clinging.
A joy without a hangover.
When we bring this same presence to our self-care rituals, the ordinary becomes meaningful. A simplified beauty routine. A small jar of Moringa oil. A cream applied slowly, with attention. Less products. Less noise. More intention.
These little moments of care are not insignificant. They are expressions of respect—for our body, our time, our life. Taking care of ourselves in simplicity reconnects us to the present moment, and in that presence, happiness naturally arises.
As we extend this attention and appreciation beyond ourselves—to our environment, to other people—our experience of joy expands even further. It becomes lighter, more spacious, and more generous.
This is The Art of Simplicity.
Not doing less for the sake of less—but choosing what matters.
Rejoicing in little things.
And discovering that caring, when done with presence, is already enough.
Finding the Ability to Rejoice
In the end, this is what it all comes down to: finding the ability to rejoice.
Rejoicing in the present moment.
In little things.
In ordinary gestures done with care and attention.
When we meet life with mindfulness and appreciation, we naturally raise our inner vibration—inviting more happiness, more openness, and less suffering, for ourselves and for others. This way of living softens the heart and reconnects us to what truly matters.
The Places That Scare You is a beautiful reminder that joy does not come from striving, but from presence. It is an intimate, honest, and deeply human book—one that gently guides us back to ourselves.
If you are looking for a meaningful read, this book is a perfect companion for the holiday season. A time to slow down, to simplify, and to remember that joy is often found exactly where we already are.