You might have traveled far and you might have gained bountiful success, but it’s the simple things that you will long for always. Think about it! The little things, like looking at the sunlight as it filters through the trees in the morning; the heavenly feel of winter sunlight on your skin; the sweet smell of moist earth after the first monsoon drizzle; the flavors and aromas of homemade food; the comfort of lounging around in well worn clothes…
Aren’t those things what we really long for? There is something wholesome and comforting about home-cooked food, the kind you eat daily and can even overeat. This is the food that you are close to; there is a pleasure in it that’s coded into your DNA. It’s so soothing that you feel compelled to call hours in advance of reaching home, to have it ready. You can slap it about in any combination you like and even raid the fridge at midnight for second helpings. It’s that simple!
These choices made from the heart are pure and simple but we complicate them. Part of this complexity arises from the bewildering range of options that modernity throws at us. Like in the new era coffee shops or malls springing up almost everyday in various cities.
Clothes that feel comfy
Just as with food, we subconsciously feel superior about the clothes we own. You want to try the latest fashions and indulge in every new trend; for every season and the day of the week. Consecutively, spend hours trawling malls and making sure your clothes match each other, and also your accessories. And just when you seem to have got it right, you see a trouser on the rack across, which looks even better.
Now all this new stuff, like the food, feels nice for a few brief moments, especially when your friend compliments you or when you admire yourself in the mirror. But I’m sure you will agree that nothing can beat the comfort of an old pajama or well-worn tee that you wear at home. That’s the apparel which is comfortable and cozy. That’s the ensemble you want to get into almost immediately when you return from work. It’s not trendy but you don’t care. Given a chance, this is the outfit you would want to wear to work too.
The reason for this comfort and fondness is simple: there is a sense of acquaintance about well-worn clothes, which feels like home or a good relationship. It’s made it’s adjustments to your body; it seems to know and fit every curve, its soft interiors tickle your skin like no designer suit ever can. There is another thing too about it. You don’t have to keep up with appearances and you don’t have to pretend. You don’t have to worry if it’s right for the occasion, or whether it matches the accessories, or think about all those stressful things that go with your public face. These are the clothes that allow you to be you, just yourself the way you are. So you may own Armani or Versace, but what you really wish to be in is that five year old T-shirt. It’s that simple!
What a pleasure it is to just sit for hours, admiring them and watching the world go by. Yet why do we associate our self-worth with the stuff we own? When what we really need is less of things and more of life!
A world with trees, filled with the smell of moist earth.
And of good home-made food.
And the contentment of lounging around in well worn clothes.
And watching sunlight filter through the trees in the morning and throw warm golden pools on the ground.
Truly, is it that simple?