A Practice for Everyday Life, Mirosław Bałka: How It Is, Edited by Helen Sainsbury, Tate Publishing, London, 2009
Contributions by: Zygmunt Bauman, Paulo Herkenhoff, Julian Heynen, László Krasznahorkai
Exhibition: The Unilever Series: Mirosław Bałka: How It Is, Tate Modern, London, October 13, 2009 – April 5, 2010
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Do the right thing
Most of us can handle doing the right thing when it’s obvious.
Not just in those moments when the contrast between good and evil could not be more stark. We’re good. We’ve got that one.
But also when it’s presented to us like today’s first reading (“Today I have set before you…”). As a monumental life choice moment. Where there’s no way that we could miss its importance. We’ve got that one as well.
We’re always going to put ourselves on God’s side when it’s that obvious.
What you and I struggle with? When it’s not. When it’s not obvious that this is one of those moments.
So let me help you with that one. I figured out the easy way to tell if this is one of those moments, and I want to share it with you. Here it is,
They all are.
They are all life choice moments. Wait, what?
Here’s what I mean – there are unmistakable life choice moments. Moments when you have the opportunity to make a real difference.
Like when someone who is being abused and isolated is finally able to call for help because their abuser is passed out. They’ve made the choice to escape. And they’re calling you for a ride to the domestic violence shelter. Right now, before he wakes up.
And you’re thinking, “That’s pretty obvious. That’s a life choice moment.”
Right. But what makes you someone who will drop everything to help them? What prepares you for that moment?
All of the little life choice moments of everyday life.
The countless moments of daily living when you and I can go with God, can do the right thing. Or not.
No one of them is monumental. By themselves, they’re not that much. But taken together, they shape our lives. They shape us. More than our handful of monumental moments ever can.
Saying something encouraging when you see someone struggling. Or not.
Helping someone who needs it. Or not.
Making time for someone who needs to be heard. Or not.
Deciding to treat them like you want to be treated. Or not.
They’re all life choice moments. And they’re yours for the taking every day. Or not.
Taken together, their cumulative effect on you makes it possible for you to do the right thing in those monumental moments.
Every one of them takes you a step closer to God, a step close to who God made you to be. Or a step farther away.
The countless, practical moments for holiness.
The everyday moments that we are given to get over ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.
Today’s Readings
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Sam Winston: ‘A Delicate Sight’, Texts by Raymond Antrobus, Bernardine Evaristo, Don Paterson, and Max Porter, Designed by A Practice for Everyday Life, London, 2021
Plus: a twenty-minute film about darkness, creativity and life beyond the screen. Featuring Raymond Antrobus, Bernardine Evaristo, Don Paterson, Max Porter and Sam Winston
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The Subtle Art of Finding Joy in the Mundane
In the dizzying whirlwind of our modern lives, with its notifications, deadlines, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to overlook the little things. Our quest for big achievements, exotic vacations, and grand celebrations often overshadows the understated moments that make up our daily lives. Yet, there's a profound beauty and solace in the mundane, waiting to be discovered.
The Magic of Morning Rituals
Consider the simple act of brewing your morning coffee or tea. The aromatic scent that wafts through your kitchen, the warmth of the mug against your palms, and that first invigorating sip – it's a ritual that beckons a new day, filled with possibilities. It's not just about the caffeine kick, but the quiet moments we grant ourselves before the day's chaos ensues.
Nature's Everyday Theater
Look out of your window. Even if you're in the heart of a bustling city, nature is putting on a daily show. The radiant hues of a sunrise, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, or even the rhythmic patter of rain against the windowpane. These are nature's gentle reminders of its cyclic rhythm, urging us to pause and sync our own rhythms with the world around us.
The Joy of Daily Tasks
Believe it or not, there's a meditative quality in mundane chores. The rhythmic act of washing dishes, the soft hum of a vacuum cleaner, or the therapeutic act of decluttering can be grounding experiences. They tether us to the present moment, offering a break from the incessant noise in our heads.
Conversations and Connections
Everyday joy is also about connections. A brief chat with a neighbor, a spontaneous phone call to a friend, or even the simple act of greeting your local grocery store cashier can forge bonds. It's in these fleeting interactions that we find a shared human experience.
Rediscovering Your Space
Sometimes, joy is about rediscovery. Re-read a favorite book, revisit old photographs, or rearrange your furniture. Familiar spaces and objects can offer new perspectives and insights when looked at with fresh eyes.
Wrapping Up
The art of finding joy in the mundane is essentially about shifting our perspective. It's about appreciating life's quiet moments and finding depth in simplicity. It's recognizing that while milestones and grand celebrations are significant, there's immeasurable joy to be found in the spaces in between.
In the words of novelist Alice Walker, "Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprise." Life's everyday surprises, no matter how small, are the threads that weave the beautiful tapestry of our existence. So, let's cherish them.
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The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which tracked the health and aging of participants for over 80 years, found two significant factors that lead to increased happiness. As discussed in The Harvard Gazette article covering the study, the first is a focus on close relationships and community, and the second is spending more time doing things that bring us joy.
From The Secret Joy of Hygge: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Happiness In The Everyday, published 2019; Alexandra Amarotico (My Ko-Fi Here)
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