Simple things in a complicated world
Finding joy in what is there.
Lately, I have been thinking of how I can experience joy in the simple things of life. And then I remembered the Greek philosopher Epicurus who had the radical idea (in those times) that maybe we don’t need very much at all to be happy. His view was that joy isn’t found in riches or power or status. It’s found in the everyday.
Born in 341 BCE on the island of Samos in Greece, Epicurus talked about how happiness comes not from grandeur, power, or wealth—but from simplicity, friendship, freedom, and reflection. In today’s world it would perhaps mean a simple healthy meal, a good conversation, catching up with a friend or spending time in nature.
I often think of all this during my morning walk. I think about how Epicurus felt that the world, just as it is, offers us what we need to feel fulfilled. Similarly, to my mind, photography doesn’t have to be about big things. It can be about simple and everyday things.
Taking photographs can be an act of presence rather than ambition: a way of saying that I was here and I felt something, even if that something is quiet and even if no one else saw it or experienced it. Like the light that falls on things to create designs. Or when raindrops fall on the leaves and bring them together.
The joy that comes from simple things in this complicated world sometimes cleverly plays hide and seek. It does not immediately reveal itself. I have to look hard and find it in moments between being a caregiver and a team lead. Most times in- between soul- sapping meetings and a clutter of medicines to be given. I try everyday to believe deeply that the in-between moments (amidst the chaos around) will connect me to experiences where I will find my joy.
I value moments that make me smile for instance, when I see light in different shapes and forms or when I observe nature’s symmetry and patterns. Sometimes joy does find its way and seeks me out like the early morning light: quiet, undemanding and subtle.
Epicurus talks about how freedom comes not from excess, but from enough. He spoke about paying attention to the “now”. I guess photography is the same. The most freeing thing is having the eyes to see, really “see,” what’s already there. And then… to have the wisdom and understanding to realise that it is enough. At least for now. To be present with the world and know that there’s nothing small about that. To realize that the quieter joys aren’t lesser. They’re just truer.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. It truly means a lot to me. I am grateful to all my subscribers and to everyone who support and engage with my photography here on substack. See you next Saturday.
Thank you for sharing this Shital, there is so much truth in what you have said. I certainly believe that finding joy in the ordinary is a recipe for happiness.
I've seen the question posed several times lately, and I've been thinking about why I photograph. There is no one reason, but a part of it is to help appreciate these moments of quiet beauty. We often notice them, but wanting to preserve them in this way helps us to pay closer attention. And of course the images remind us, but taking photos sharpens our senses, so not only are we more aware of what's around us, once we see it, we remain focused.