The Mundane is defined in the dictionary as the everyday, ordinary, or relating to the world in worldly manners. This for you could be everyday things you see or experience and have lost interest in. Having a good cup of coffee, receiving packages, walking to places, train rides. These moments were things I’ve always enjoyed and experienced countless times, and they are daily and seemingly “boring,” things, however, they can feel beautiful when I take notice of them. There is beauty everywhere if you try to see it in the moment and I think it’s important to find beauty in the simple things. I think the mundane becomes interesting when you take the time to look at it and carefully take time to enjoy it.
Life goes by fast, college flies by, and working, and retiring all in the blink of an eye if you truly think about it. We are constantly waiting for extravagant things to happen in our lives. Maybe you can’t wait until graduation, getting your dream job, getting married, or having kids— but in reality, the moment you are living in right now is “extravagant” in and of itself and it is exactly where you’re supposed to be. Sometimes it’s hard to stay present and and be satisfied with where you are in life. To “stop and smell the roses,” to start conversations, to express gratitude for opportunities you’ve had, or to take notice of the people walking past.
It can be hard to find beauty in the little things because as humans we tend to crave novelty, almost like shiny object syndrome. The shiny new iPhone 15 you bought months ago can start to lose its sheen after some time. It’s also why a lot of people crave traveling to get away from the routines of everyday life or why our senses seem to be intensified when we enter a new environment. However, in this pursuit for a meaningful existence or experience, we often overlook the simple moments that bring joy to our everyday lives. It’s about being fully present in the moment, observing without any judgment, and allowing ourselves to experience life as is, not as we think it should be. This present-moment awareness brings fruitfulness to the mundane, transforming ordinary routine into experiences of extraordinary beauty and not constantly looking forward to the next big thing.
This is a concept of mindfulness and it plays a key role in unlocking the beauty within the mundane. By focusing on the present moment without judgment, you cultivate a sense of awareness of your surroundings and experiences. Breaking free from autopilot and not just going through life. Some simple ways to do this include: Expressing gratitude for the ordinary aspects of life. Whether it’s the warmth of sunlight or the smell of your morning coffee, acknowledging and appreciating these moments can boost your mood and increase overall life satisfaction. This practice of gratitude is linked to improved resilience and mental well-being.
Finding Inspiration In The Simple: Creativity actually thrives in the mundane. The small moments can serve as a canvas for inspiration and profound ideas. Embracing the ordinary allows you to open yourself up to a world of creative possibilities, proving that beauty is not reserved for grand events but is entwined into the framework of existence.
In a world that programs you to glorify the extraordinary, the psychology of finding beauty in the mundane offers a bracing perspective. By expressing gratitude, taking time to notice things without judgment, and seeking inspiration in simplicity, you find fulfillment in everyday life. Let this be your reminder to savor the magic that resides in the ordinary as it is at these moments we experience life’s true beauty.
To further this concept, I was thinking about how mundane moments are times we should be letting our minds wander. Mind wandering is related to our default mode network in our brains which is heavily linked to our creativity. Taking time overall to slow down is extremely beneficial. Society has become very fast paced and forces people younger and younger to always plan ahead and look towards the future. I’m not saying it isn’t important or helpful, but it is also stressful and at time overwhelming. The world is beautiful. Taking time to appreciate and just breathe is one of the greatest gifts we could give ourselves. Practicing these are forms of meditation. What is something “mundane” you look forward to everyday? During the first semester, I loved walking from Simmons to Sacket and going between these big buildings. There were flowers growing on both sides and always started to feel my feet slow and my steps become more relaxed. I hope to continue enjoying the mundane, despite the stress. Thank you for the reminder.
Often times when I have a stressful day or am feeling down, I enjoy going outside and looking at the stars. Sometimes, I just need to appreciate all the beautiful things that surround me and in doing so, I feel relieved and at peace. I know that it can be really difficult to take the time out of your day to stop and appreciate the mundane, but at the same time it can make your day so much better. I also agree with you when you say there is creativity in the mundane, some of my best ideas for essays have come when I just take a moment to look around me and appreciate my surroundings.