Monday, February 04, 2013

New Feature: Simple Pleasures


Sometimes art truly changes us, to the fibers of our being as the saying goes. Watching Amelie was undoubtedly one of those experiences for me. I remember being awed with the way she viewed the world, her capacity for imagination, her ability to appreciate the little pleasures each day affords as seen in the following clip:


(Author's Note: if you haven't seen Amelie, I suggest you do so immediately. I hate to hype up media, but this remains one of my favourite all-time films. It's poignant, life affirming and beautiful in every way.)

Since then, I've tried to incorporate her philosophy into my life. And oh, my! What a difference it makes. I've learned that this simple practice makes ordinary days meaningful. Taking notice of the smallest things (the aroma of spices stewing in the kitchen, listening to the rain fall while enveloped in the warmth of a blanket, sharing a joke with a friend): these seemingly insignificant details shape the rapid passing of time into a memorable and happy life.

So, I've decided to begin a new feature on this blog and share the simple pleasures that brighten my days...in the hope that doing so will brighten yours as well.

17 comments:

o said...

Lovely :D

I must see this film, I really must...

JoAnn said...

Excellent idea! The film is already in my Netflix queue, but I've bumped it up higher.

The Lloyd Family said...

I love this idea. I could use a bit of brightening. :)

The Lloyd Family said...

I love this idea. I could use a bit of brightening. :)

The Lloyd Family said...

I love this idea. I could use a bit of brightening. :)

The Lloyd Family said...

I love this idea. I could use a bit of brightening. :)

Caro said...

What a lovely new feature! I have never watched Amelie, but with recommendation I certainly will. I'll let you know what I think. :)

Diana said...

O: Do! I can't imagine you not loving it.

And thank you. :)

Diana said...

JoAnn: Excellent idea. I just I haven't ruined it for you with my hype.

Diana said...

Ash: Couldn't we all? Especially in these dreary, post-Christmas winter months, I can't have too much of it.

Diana said...

Caro: Thank you, and I'm very much looking forward to your thoughts on the film!

Brooke said...

One of my all-time favorite films!

Melissa Vizcarra said...

I love this movie! I must have watched it a hundred times already. It does change one's life perspective. :)

amanda @ simplerpastimes said...

What a lovely idea. I've tried in the past to remind myself to notice things, appreciate simple things, but it never seems to last. Hopefully your posts will help me do that! Also, thanks for the reminder that I still need to get around to watching Amelie--been meaning to do that for ages...

Diana said...

Brooke: Mine too! You have great taste in movies. :)

Diana said...

Melissa, doesn't it? I first watched it years ago when it first came out on DVD, but I still try to apply it to my daily life.

Diana said...

Amanda: It's taken years of telling myself to appreciate the simple things in life to actually DO it. Even then, I don't always succeed. For this natural cynic, it required lots of practice and conscious optimism.

I hope you enjoy the film when you finally get around to watching it!