“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
from “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho, absolutely one of my very favourite books
Yesterday my riding buddy and I went out exploring for a couple of hours, routing around new hills and lanes. At one point we found ourselves on a hill ridge facing south at 900 ft (275m) as the midday early spring / late winter sun bathed us in its light and warmth.
We paused to recognise the special natures of such moments, particularly resonant when, less than fifteen minutes later, we found ourselves down in the valley, the sun had gone, wind had picked up, temperature was lower down there. Spring had turned back to winter.
As we march (trudge sometimes?) on into year two of the pandemic and, here in London, the fourth month of lockdown, it is important to recognise the simple things, whether in nature, with our family and friends, with our colleagues and our work.
As we start the week, then, do sometimes take time to remember: “The simple things are also the most extraordinary things”