Often we take ourselves too seriously – all work and no play. We focus on being productive and miss the deeper pleasures of life. But God has given us the deep pleasures of life to enjoy as well.
Deep pleasures go beyond a passing thrill and satisfy the deep parts of our soul. But as they are deep, they must also be cultivated.
For instance, the pleasures of friendship, community, and sensual delights.
Friendship
Meaningful friendships are often neglected because they are not “needed” to fulfill our duties to work and obligations to family. They’re considered a luxury we’ll get around to if we have the time.
But this freedom of friendship is also part of its pleasure. Friends are chosen in part for the joy they bring to each other.
And joy is the cornerstone of friendship even as we learn to love for the good of the other.
Community
Community is also a luxury we tend to neglect. And when most of our relationships are transactional, we miss the deep pleasures available in true community.
Community provides us with relationships we freely choose – perhaps around a common interest or activity.
Whatever the case, community gives us a sense of belonging, connection, and meaning beyond ourselves.
Sensual Delights
Certainly, it would be more efficient to consume only the basic required nutrients for survival. But food is intended to feed our bodies and our souls. And quality food is just one example of sensual delights.
Taking time to enjoy a favorite meal or piece of music, the special fragrance of a particular place or person, great works of art or the beauty of nature itself are all ways to fill our souls with the joy of deep pleasures.
Don’t settle for mere passing pleasures. Cultivate deep pleasures and enjoy a deeper soul satisfaction.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
