"Los placeres más verdaderos son los puros."

The quote points out that the best forms of joy are those that come from innocent, unadulterated sources. It suggests that when our pleasures are simple and stem from genuine places, they tend to be the most fulfilling and untainted by ulterior motives or complications.

Historically, this concept has roots in many philosophical and cultural traditions. Think back to ancient philosophy, particularly the Stoics and Epicureans. They often emphasized the importance of simple pleasures and living in harmony with nature. They believed that true happiness wasn't found in excess or material wealth, but in modest, honest enjoyments—like a beautiful sunset or the warmth of friendship. This idea has persisted throughout time, reminding us that the complexity of modern life often detracts from our ability to find pure joy.

Imagine a sunny Saturday afternoon. You've been working crazy hours all week, feeling the weight of deadlines crushing your spirit. But now, you're at the park. Kids are laughing, the air smells like grass and possibility. You sit down on a bench with a good book or maybe just people-watch. That serene feeling? That's a pure pleasure. No distractions, no underlying pressures—just you, the moment, and a sense of stillness.

So, how do you bring this kind of simple joy into your life? First off, declutter a bit—both physically and mentally. Let go of the need for constant stimulation and instead, focus on what genuinely makes you happy. Maybe it's cooking a meal from scratch, taking a long walk, or even spending quality time with someone you care about. These aren't grand, Instagram-worthy moments, but they're deeply satisfying.

Take a page from my friend Sarah's playbook. A few years ago, she was constantly chasing the next big thing—promotions, social events, you name it. She was always busy, but rarely happy. One day, she decided to strip it all back. She started gardening. It was a small patch, nothing fancy. But digging her hands into the soil, watching her plants grow—it changed everything. She found joy in the simplicity of watering her plants, feeling the earth, and witnessing life sprout from her efforts. It wasn't about impressing anyone; it was about finding something that genuinely made her heart sing.

This isn't to say you should drop everything and start gardening—unless that's your thing! The point is to identify those small, pure pleasures in your own life. Maybe you love playing the piano, or perhaps sitting by a window with a cup of tea makes you unreasonably happy. Lean into those moments. They might seem insignificant, but they carry a weight that can profoundly impact your wellbeing.

So next time you're feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, take a step back. Think about what small, uncomplicated activity brings you joy. Embrace it. You'll find that these pure pleasures are often the ones that give life its richest meaning.