Think Big Thoughts but Relish Small Pleasures

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.

Daily Bits of Joy ประจำวันปิติ

Daily Bits of Joy ประจำวันปิติ

Living in Chiang Mai gives me a dose of elation on a daily basis. In the morning, this is the beauty I see:

This tree greets me everyday as I walk into work at Panyaden School.

On my way to the office includes bananas and Bodhi trees.

My new classroom

The beginning of the rainy season viewed from my classroom. Ahh, a relief from the heat.

Jubilant children running through puddles.

Blooming lotus in my backyard. บัวบาน

Buddha image delighting in the lotus

All of nature reminding us to be mindful of each moment. Everything is temporary. Notice beauty.

ดอกบัว

Easily Practicing Patience at Immigration

Easily Practicing Patience at Immigration

Going to immigration is never anyone’s idea of a fun way to spend the day, but in Thailand it is somehow a bit more bearable than other countries. I’ll admit, I am biased because I really love it here. It’s more than my opinion coloring the experience though, it’s based on the calm and careful way official matters are handled here.

Thai people are extremely polite. That continues to be the case, even at immigration, plus an unhurried friendliness that makes a long wait OK. Maybe it’s because I’ve been meditating, maybe it’s the serene presence of the monks who comprise a few of the people in here, maybe it’s because it’s nice and cool in here, whatever it is I am completely happy waiting here.

My number has been called and it’s my turn. Everything has been explained to me concisely, clearly, and pleasantly in English. I don’t have to guess what will happen. That’s a switch from many immigration offices I’ve been to.

As I sit here and wait for my forms to be processed, people smile at me. No one shouts, no one gets upset, patience is practiced. It is an art here.

I think we in the West have something to learn from this approach to life. It certainly works for me.

The King

Lotus blooming outside immigration