Think Big Thoughts but Relish Small Pleasures
I’ve always loved this quote by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Living in Thailand and being a teacher remind me to ‘Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures’ daily. For example…
Gorgeous floating flowers in pots
Seeing a pineapple plant grow
Accidentally happening upon a charming rooftop restaurant in Chiang Mai
This graceful little flower known as anchan in Thai, butterfly pea in English, and scientifically as clitoria
Witnessing the creativity of students’ recycled art projects
Hiking with this little cutie named Manee
Noticing the ‘Wintry’ and ‘Summer’ settings on the hot water heater for a shower
Having a little think by the lake
Finding a student’s drawing of/for me
Hilarious and blatant copyright infringement
The exquisite mangosteen – edible art
Cutting into a papaya, and finding a star.
Students making a game out of weeding the rice field
Having fun ploughing like buffalo
…and playing with the plough
The lotuses that bloom in the morning
The serenity of the ubiquitous Buddha images
Planting rice at Panyaden School on Thai Mother’s Day
After four years of living and teaching in Thailand, I have learned a few simple, but profound lessons:
Noticing what children and nature teach us is worthwhile. Pay attention. Be present. Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.