Pleasure. While it’s not the point of life, it certainly makes me want to stick around longer.
We have at least five physical senses and they are conduits to pleasure. I may have asked you if you consciously choose music you listen to, if you compose your meal to include delicious flavors and balanced colors, if you wear clothes that feel and look great. There are so many opportunities for pleasure every single day.
The next time you shower, take a moment to feel the water. Note the temperature, the scent of the soap, the texture of the spray or the washcloth. Everything in my shower smells good, the towels are fluffy and soft, and the perfect shade of blue. Sometimes I play music while showering too. It doesn’t take longer to make it as pleasurable as possible. Even if you shave in the shower with one hand while brushing your teeth with the other, you can still choose soap and toothpaste you enjoy.
Emotional pleasure is what makes us want to be together. When you walk in the door and I smile at you, when your dog tilts his head at the sound of your voice, when your child throws their arms around your neck and says those three little words; it’s the ways in which our hearts are touched.
Make pleasure a focus. Getting pleasurable touch takes away the stress of the day, it doesn’t have to be sexual. You know I’m a huge hug advocate! Have you offered or asked for a foot rub lately? Have you gazed into someone’s eyes lately? Have you played music together?
You may be very focused: eating right, exercising religiously, barely getting enough sleep, working very hard and long hours. You treat your life like a job. You may carry a lot of stress. Take a moment to think where you could add a little pleasure to your life. Can you add a work of art to your workspace? A favorite photo of your loved ones? Finding ways to let stress off during the day and in the evening. You will live longer and more comfortably for it.