What do you do to add enchantment to your everyday life?

I'm currently listening to the audiobook "The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life" by Thomas Moore, and it made me wonder what people in this group do to make their everyday life more magical and soul nourishing.

I think that many of us would say that coming here and going to other similar on-line spiritual sites certainly would be one thing because it gets us thinking about things other than the mundane world and allows us to focus on that which is magical in the world.

What else do you do that feeds your soul and adds beauty and charm to your life?

When I saw it I thought, "Not enough" so already you've inspired me to do more.

Generally though. . .walk in beauteous locations, meditate, garden, try to be creative in some small or large way, sing or play music, and inspire as much laughter as is possible.

laughter in me!

You certainly seem to have a wonderful joie de vivre that comes through when I interact with you.

:D

...is our haven. My husband and I surround ourselves with interesting and beautiful things (this is done for very little money, BTW, we shop at flea markets primarily). It feeds my soul for my eye to be delighted.

Classical music, for me, is magical...it brings tears to my eyes.

I appreciate that type of beauty as well, sofedup. I'm glad that your husband appreciates the same things and that you both enjoy searching for treasures together.

Ahhhh... classical music -- some of it must have been inspired by the angels.

birds, flowers, trees, even the moving water of my man made waterfall into the pool is magical

I have hummingbirds galore as well as many other species of birds who frequent our backyard. it's great to watch them pick at the lawn for treats, have their little dominance scuffles etc.

we also have LOTS of lizard families all up and down our cement block fenced walls. incredible that such a hard elements is so full of life and activity

the weather is another one that gives me everyday magic, the thunderhead clouds building in the afternoon, the storms, the wind all are magical

things as mundane as washing the dishes can be full of magic too, the warmth of the water on your hands, the way the soap bubbles catch the light or the slippery feel of a clean plate as you rinse it all are ways to meditate.

making bread is another one of my magical things. the feel of the dough as it goes from clumpy and sticky to silky and smooth and the love and health energy I put into the loaf with every turn and knead. and coming back after an hour to see the dough magically risen to twice it's size almost like it's straining to bring that love and energy I filled it with right back to me.

my animals are another magical gift daily. they know how i feel and what i need. there is such a deep bond and communication with the fur kids, how could it be any less than magic??

so many things we take for granted or don't take the time to actually notice in our everyday life are really gifts and blessings that blossom with the slightest attention.

:blush: wow, that's the longest post I've done in a long time. if you made it this far, hope I gave you some ideas. :hug:

PS, amazing that when I let it flow, I almost never make spelling errors. when I try to craft a careful message, the spell checker seems to work over time! :rofl:

love the sound of the wind rustling through the trees.

You seem to have built enchantment into much of your life, AZDem. Congratulations!

I love watching the birds in my backyard.......

And reading anything spiritual.

Thanks, cassie!

:pals:

There's nothing more amazing than a toddler!

And I heard/read somewhere (can't recall where) that you should observe one beautiful thing every day, so I try to do that. I guess it can also be classified as "feeling gratitude", but to me that implies subservience (too conventional-religion for my taste). But I do enjoy finding something beautiful--whether it's the blossoms on the tree outside my office window, or a person being nice instead of rude for a change, or my kid giggling at something silly--and pausing to be grateful it exists.

day.

In reference to your son, I think that toddlers are the most amazing age. Too bad that we lose that awe and wonder!

nature, birds in the backyard, music, good books, a great movie, etc.

I read this book of Moore's several years ago - I think I'll get it out to review it - it was very good if I remember....

Daily walks in the woods/parks/beach where I can escape the city life are vital to me - just walking with my dog in the weather, wind, light, under the clouds of the day - I love it!

DemEx

I ride my exercise bike in the morning. I've found it to be very calming, and it starts my day out on a good note.

Thanks for your ideas, DemEx!

to the bees doing their busy jobs of pollination, watching the birds swoop and dive for bugs in the garden. Gathering zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and watching the peas, beans, okra, corn, and sunflowers developing. Smelling the lavender, thyme, sage, rosemary, and seeing the beautiful flowers in my flower bed always fills me with delight. Lying in bed early in the morning listening to the birds, esp. the multi-talented mockingbirds is a religious experience.

Today I made bread and butter pickles from my Mother's recipe. It filled me with such a sense of accomplishment to see those beautiful jars lined up on the counter, and I felt my Mother's presence in the kitchen with me. As I worked, I listened to Bruce Springsteen's latest CD, Pete Seeger Sessions and sang along to We Shall Overcome, Eyes on the Prize, and Oh Mary Don't You Weep.

Watching my 86 yr. old father doing his favorite thing, mowing the grass on his riding lawn mower, is always a treat. Communing with my two cats and dog brings joy and laughter.

Coming to this group always brings me a sense of connectedness, and I never leave without having learned something new or gaining insight.

Maintaining family traditions really feeds the soul for me. I'm sure that your mother was there with you today!

:hug:

think. :D I've been trying to beautify each room in my house, by just rearranging, repotting plants, changing things up a bit. I feel like if my home is the best it can be, and is comfortable and clean it makes a big difference to everyone I love & me. I like to use candles and aromatherapy. Seems very boring and mundane, but it really does make a difference, if I let things go it depresses me. Do you feel like that too?

I try to use all of my linens, special glasses and serving dishes everyday as I enjoy cooking and the presentation. And like a lot of you here, reading, gardening and music are some other favorites.

Conversation and laughter with family and friends is always a joy. Absolutely coming here and sharing and reading other views and ideas is very uplifting.

Terrific thread, IHAD! I'm smiling just thinking about all the things I like. :thumbsup:

of the habit. I'm going to have to start doing some of these things again. I agree that they do make a difference, mother earth!

:hi:

I am not Wiccan in the sense that I practice it as my main spiritual connect--I see it as just another way of honoring the universal energy--but sometimes I enjoy the actual rituals and the elements involved (incense, herbs, cards, oils,candles, energy work with crystals & etc). I find that adds a nice bit of enchantment. Of course; my son and my husband, I'm HUGE on music; and--this is kinda strange--I've been really getting into the artistry of makeup! MAC pigments and their uses are just facinating. I know this seems trivial; but for your entertainment:

I wear makeup, but it's minimal. Recently, I started to notice how many women paint their toe nails in the summer. Until recently, I considered it just another thing that women have to do to look the way that they're expected to look. However, I've now realized that this may be one way that women add beauty to their lives for themselves -- not necessarily for others.

The makeup images are beautiful! Thank you for sharing them!

I also love crystals and stones -- even shells. Indeed, they are magical to me as well.

I just love the colors, the technique; the artistry. There's so much to learn about how to get certain effects, and which colors look right on your coloring...I guess I'm more into the art part of it; but yes; I guess I see it as Oprah does...It makes me feel good to pamper myself occasionally with high-quality goods. I don't wear much makeup regularly either; so I've decided that when I do, it will be the best. I also want to give myself some fun choices...I've been very limited in my palette up 'till now.

I've recently learned that a friend of a friend makes $100 an hour as a makeup artist at a Bay Area day spa!

I didn't do those....sorry! Those are from another board; some friends. I'm getting there, though. Sorry if I wasn't clear. I WISH those were mine!!

I love eye makeup also, music, and I've hung some wind chimes and spiralling garden wind art on the deck. I also like candles when the kids are at school. I also like looking for clothes and jewelry that has a spiritual or pagan flair to it.

I love that you can get them with different sounds.

With the onset of age, my eyes are the only feature I really want to call attention to, so I read your post with great interest. I don't think I could get away with much color at this point, but the artful application is so important. Thank you for posting your gorgeous eyes.

ehh..see post above...I didn't do those, but I am getting close to that level. Sorry! I feel bad...

No, seriously, I really do. Fill up a stranger's near-empty parking meter, compliment a senior's hairstyle, a cashier's new wedding band, that kind of thing. While distributing positivity is its own reward, I think the Universe returns that positivity directly to you in some form as a result of those acts. It's the spiritual equivalent to me of that bumpersticker that reads, "Everyone does better when everyone does better."

forget in our rushed world. It can make such a difference in people's lives.

I'm so glad everyone chimed in because I've found some great ideas. What a great group - I'm always amazed at how good I feel after coming here. This is my second stop - always LBN, then this group.

Thanks, everyone!

I try to make sure to do something of this sort at least once a week. Not that I'm on a schedule or something; but it sure does make me feel better! Guess that's selfish in a way, but hey....

"Sharing little joys offers great hope to others."

I thought that it was pretty apropos given what we're discussing in this thread. :D

The milk of kindness flows through her veins and, with the others ..., very beneficial sources of energy medicine. Lots of opportunities to do something good at home and in the world.

I also like to visit the pandas when I can. They have a wonderful, playful sense of flexibility and of the infinite. Great bear medicine. :) :) :)