Pleasure requires presence

The last few years have taken a toll on our capacity for pleasure. Instead we have been trying to survive or not get sick with the obvious. Living in fear, lockdown, working from home, becoming insular, guarded, the wearing of masks, dreading tomorrow. Panic buying, queueing for PCR tests on Christmas Eve, losing hope.

It is important, even more so during times like now, that we return to looking for some pleasure in our lives. In the here and now.

I’m talking about the pleasure of patting your favourite furry friend, of the cool ocean upon your skin or that first dip of the day in a pool, sand beneath your toes, the sip of your beloved beverage and the sensation as it glides down your throat (or your chin if you are me), the first bite of an incredible chocolate dessert, an exquisite cheese platter (happy National Cheese Lover’s Day for yesterday), a picnic on freshly cut green grass, watching the rain from the comfort of your couch, sitting in the dark with your best friend watching a movie at the cinema, putting on a new beautiful, floaty dress in a fabulous colour and wearing it to a celebration, celebrating and really laughing with your friends, lying on a lounger outside in the shade reading a book you have longed to read, the simple pleasure of finishing said book, writing in your journal, the smell of a wood fire, roasting marshmallows, the feeling of wool on your skin, lying on crisp cotton sheets, getting your hair washed and a head massage at the hairdressers, an indulgent facial, your much loved cocktail complete with cocktail umbrella and ice, the thrill of buying a present for your friend’s birthday, picking flowers from your garden, sending flowers to someone who needs a break, the simple act of watering your vegetables daily and watching the produce grow, writing on a card, receiving and reading a hand written letter, the dawn of a new day, the possibilities for that day, the gratitude for that day, the last light as the sun explodes over the horizon.

All of these wonderful and simple things requires presence. We must forget our troubles, the state of the world and simply be here now. Be here for your family, friends, partner, furry friend and most importantly for you.

My job as a wedding photographer requires me to be absolutely present as I capture the day or event as it unfolds. Capturing the decisive moment. The pleasure of capturing the decisive moment is what drives me as a wedding photographer. As I drive home after the wedding reception, I am reminded of the incredible joy and pleasure that was derived from being present.

As we slide into the weekend, what are you going to do that gives you a slice of pleasure and returns you to being present? Me, I am going to the cinema with some of my favourite people to escape and let some wonder into my life. I am going to call a good friend for their birthday and laugh loudly with my husband. I am going to remember simple times with a dear friend who left us too soon (they knew how to be present), I am going to eat rich, dark chocolate slowly and I am going to start a new book. Whatever you do, please let me know, so that we can all share in each other’s pleasure.

Elana Bailey Photography

@elanabaileyphotography