For the part about laughter, I try to live by an old saying. "One who learns to laugh at himself will never cease to be amused."

@th7297

2 ай бұрын

That one is good 😂

One of my favorite simple pleasures is, very simply, these videos. I feel legitimately like I'm part of a club that watches you and your wisdom.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

It’s a club for us all sir. I’m just glad to be here!

@MisterKnightly

2 ай бұрын

@@TheChapsGuide Just wanted to ensure you know that you've done something good here.

@stephanesurprenant60

2 ай бұрын

​@@TheChapsGuide We need a subtle and cryptic lapel pin. Also, we need to start rumors about ourselves -- because no club is a real club unless there's a conspiracy theory about it.

@9er..

2 ай бұрын

@@stephanesurprenant60🤯 AMAZING IDEA!

I remember my late grandfather uttering on his deathbed, hardly audible: "This is the first time in my life that I haven't shaved". Within 5 minutes, my mum had him shaved and applied some of his favourite fragrance too ("Tabac Original"). Some time later he died in peace. I have never forgotten this: if it was so important for him it is important for me as well!

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Wonderful story sir.

@chrisblanc663

2 ай бұрын

Wow! What a great way for your mom to serve your grandfather

@mwhite212

Ай бұрын

Lovely. I was genuinely touched by your comment.

@adrianwalker2833

Ай бұрын

@@mwhite212 It was 30 years ago. But so am I, as it is my last memory of my grandfather.

@shinma989

Ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing. Brought a tear to my eye. Be well

Since the first covid lockdown my simple pleasure has been watching videos on KZread of people leading much more meaningful and productive lives that I. It is quite enjoyable but not very good for muscle tone or waistline...

Thank you for these videos Ash. They are one of my simple pleasures.

Solitude, yes - my favourite. On weekends and holidays (work days start at 4am) I get up before dawn and just sit for an hour with my earbuds in ( Mozart this morning) watching the dawn, with the clouds and sky changing colours. It’s just beautiful. Plus my wife and kids are still asleep, so the house is quiet. When the family starts stirring and the noise levels rise I head out for a run or a workout on the gymnastic rings. Then I’m set for whatever the world can throw at me for the rest of the day.

@Year_Of_The_Cat

2 ай бұрын

Mate you’re in McDonald’s playing Angry Birds.

@samwiseman150

2 ай бұрын

@@Year_Of_The_Cat 🤣🤣🤣

I don't shave every day, but I definitely keep my "weapon" clean.

@marcusjohnson5412

2 ай бұрын

Lol😂

I’ve spent most of my life dreading shaving. About six months ago I invested in a brush, a DE razor, and some boutique cream, and now I love it. I also just invested today in my first fragrance.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Good stuff!

@chrisblanc663

2 ай бұрын

That’s awesome!! I just got a straight razor, and am learning how to use it. I usually use a DE razor. Shaving has truly become my morning or evening therapy session.

@NyangoStarAmerica

2 ай бұрын

Try Issey Miyake L'eau D'issey Pour Homme,Ungaro Pour Homme III, or Cartier Declaration

@NyangoStarAmerica

2 ай бұрын

Feather DE razors are the best. Good shave creams/soaps are Geo F. Trumper Rose or Razorock Don Marco

The biggest thing for me is going for walks everyday. The important aspect of this is not going for a walk to go to the shop etc. it’s a case of leaving your front door and saying to myself shall I go left, shall I go right or straight ahead.

I produce work everyday by being my own Mobile Car Valet. I clean up towards 300+ vehicles a year since 2020 and it's been greatly rewarding spiritually and physically.

@DavidHalfordsLane

2 ай бұрын

A very rewarding activity. I love car detailing albeit as a hobby and for friends who need a boost with a shiny motor.

Hi Ash, I do admire how you seem able to extract so much pleasure from every simple action and interaction in life.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

I try

My favorite simple pleasure is to go for a run in the early morning and seeing the sunrise.

In addition to the practices you cited, I gain immense pleasure from cooking. It's a practice of "making something" when you cook with raw ingredients, and not with prepared products. Another is music. I enjoy listening to classical concertos and minuets, and 1960s and 1970s rock! Your videos are now part of my enjoyment routine. Thanks!

@chrisblanc663

2 ай бұрын

Good additions to the conversation. I enjoy cooking too.

Thank You for the Video 😀

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

You're welcome 😊

For me taking time to listen to music you can really engage in with earphones on is needed to get me through the day. No better therapy

Thank you Ash. Eating a meal, a succulent Chinese meal, is certainly no crime.

@brianmccord7387

2 ай бұрын

As long as you pay the bill 😂

@MBCGRS

Ай бұрын

I see you know your Judo, sir...

Quality content and advice mr. Ash 🤝

1. Hugging my wife and daughter while an extra one hour of sleep on a Sunday morning is super charging for me 2. walking around my house thinking about my life and future , with gratitude at early morning can do wonders for me And on the point you mentioned about creating stuff , i got to start building my music sheet stand from raw materials ...i dropped the idea of buying it from Mr.Jeff Bezos

Some of my simple pleasures in no particular order: Zex BBQ baby back pork ribs Music of my choice Female feet Driving from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds Dogs Alcohol Watching a fly try to escape through an open window

Solid advice. Thanks.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I added my eight, watch your videos in the balcony seeing the sea drinking a Negroni 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

That is awesome!

Solitude is addictive ❤

I really liked this video, could you make one about simple hobbies? E.g. I like fishing, stamp collecting and photography

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the idea!

I made some furniture myself. All customized to specific dimensions that would be in unison to the space available inside my home.

Ash: Our modern day Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus rolled in to one. 😎👍 I concur sir.

I find the open road on a motorbike is a great outlet.

Solitude is best enjoyed when one is alone. Then there was the book, "Naughty Bits Maintenance Manual" by General Bollocks, who has a Master's Degree in French Letters from the University of Bristols.

Brilliant stuff Ash, as always. I was lucky enough to inherit a signed copy of that wonderful book by Sir Brian. He was an adviser on my favourite war film ('A Bridge Too Far') and was played in the film rather wonderfully, by Edward Fox. The later caught the spirit of the man very well indeed. He also appears, in interview, in the World At War series when discussing the battle of Arnhem.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

A very interesting man and a great biography. He was well regarded as a general, although others suggest that he was too close to Montgomery and never challenged the egotistical and very self-serving plans that Monty dreamed up (the Armham campaign being one such example). On the whole I liked Horrocks, but I also saw his many flaws.

I love to go to a cafe, especially more local ones & get a coffee or tea with maybe a pastry while reading a book or do stuff on my Chromebook. Been going out in the city or parks while having music on my headphones walking & looking around. Or simply driving my car around, it makes me feel in control of something. Don’t drink much but like to grab a bottle of mead, wine or beer at a store or a glass at a pub/bar.

when I have some shity day I just look at my rolexa and then I know - my life its not that bad :)

Silence from the vagaries of noise is a must. I believe noise exposure is more stressful than many people realise. I never understood how some people went from meeting to meeting without the opportunity to reflect. Little wonder so many poor decisions are made. Sound advice, Ash. Hobbies and laughter also essential. And keep developing even if it’s resorting to simple KZread tutorials. And avoid ‘mood hoover’ people where you can.

Ash, I have to thank you for making my day! I am going through a rather challenging time in my life with my health, and the loss of a very important relationship. But this morning, you made me laugh and feel more appreciative about the things I have in life. Thank you very much

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Keep fighting the fight sir - each day at a time and before long you will have gotten through it.

Re: Shaving…I have a beard. I keep it neatly trimmed with a very solid Phillips trimmer. When I need to clean up those neck beard edges, I use a German Mercer safety razor with the very best blades I can find, a shave brush, and G. F. Thumper sandalwood shave soap. When I was a young US Marine, our NCOs and Officers always insisted we shave, even in freezing temps when bivouacked in a field of mud. Nothing like a frozen dry-shave with naught but camouflage face paint to lubricate the cold blade. It is, as they say, character-building. The Marta was: It’s not what you preach, it’s what you tolerate. And our USMC leadership did not tolerate a breakdown of standard discipline or hygiene, regardless of the field conditions. I still appreciate that. It’s always helped me on my chap’s journey, so to speak!

@Maitreya0208

2 ай бұрын

*Merkur, and *Mantra. Autocorrect is the devil.

So many things I agree with, shaving, wilderness, the first brew of the day. I don't like to rush first thing in the morning so I savour the first hour with the shave and breakfast, same story at night, I wind down instead of crashing into bed with a head full of thoughts. I don't want my brain keeping me awake with silly questions like "can cats sweat?" They can by the way, a quick Google search because I didn't want to lay awake thinking about it all night.

I find now that I’m retired I can tailor my music diet to suit my mood. In the morning, some light classical as I cook breakfast. In the afternoon, stuff from my collection of jazz classics as I bop along snapping my fingers. In the evening, HARD CORE BLUES! Matter of fact when I’m on my deathbed I’ll be wearing headphones and playing air guitar to Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child.” “If I don’t see you no more in this world I’ll see you in the next one and don’t be late!” BOOM dada BOOM! dadladada BOOM dada BOOM! That’s the guitar hook. The nursing staff will applaud my flawless technique.

Well done Ash, all great advice indeed! - Another thing I do is watch Boogie Woogie videos on uTube as one cannot help but smile, especially when seeing other people's reactions when that genre is played in public places - cheers, Chas T

I find a few passions are needed in life, to make you jump out of bed rather than being dragged out with a moan. For myself its currently saving for a new watch (about 75% there - unfortunately its a Rolex Explorer 36mm) and working on my uncles classic MG-B GT which has been neglected for the best part of 20 years, so most weekends are spent travelling to Dorset from the South East to do a bit of tinkering. I'm hoping to get it on the road by July. It just gets the juices going and I find I get a lot of Joy out of it.

Great advice Ash, as usual, I would say. I definitely identify with two of the points you made; A) "Do something" I love to do things around the house, particularly woodwork. I also love to restore books. B) "Comfort food" As a diabetic with a sweet tooth I cannot resist some rich, flavoursome sweet treats and I give them to myself once a week as a reward for some jobs well done or for observing my diet during the week. I cannot stand the do-gooders who pester us with unrequested advice about nutrition and their fanatical attitude about "healthy eating": No ice-cream, no fish& chips, no alcohol, etc... Life is too short! Damn it! 😁😁😁

Ash, these videos are getting better and better ❤. As to my simple pleasures, all of the above particularly the morning shave etc. but I also get huge satisfaction from repairing tnings. Most recent triumph - I bought an old Arcam Alpha 8 amplifier as a wreck and mended it. It now sits in the summerhouse powering my lovey old speakers. The neighbours love to hear my music. Probably. 😊

That is an excellent list of simple pleasures, Ash, that give daily life meaning. Here's my list: 1) Fresh-brewed coffee first thing in the morning, 2) watering and pruning flowering trees and plants in my sun room, 3) coordinating a shirt with a tie, a jacket, a pocket square, etc., when I get dressed in the morning, 4) listening to music while I'm accomplishing these tasks -this morning's selection was Tony Bennett singing the music of Billie Holiday, 5) walking down main street in my hometown for an hour, 6) picking up groceries at the local farmer's market or grocery store, and 7) talking with friends over coffee and pastries for an hour at our favourite bakery shop/bookstore.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Idyllic

Hurray! I really enjoy the way you think and resonate about things. Makes me think in new ways for the better.

I always wash my weapon before I go into battle 😂

Great choices. I am one year older than you, living in Dalat, Vietnam and I enjoy solitude more and more each day. At the weekends I can use a day or two of water-fasting so I don’t even go downstairs or talk to anyone. Solitude is my best escape for a couple of years now.

Coffee first thing is not recommended; a diuretic at the point when your body is at its most dehydrated and which stimulates the liver when it is not yet ready. It also increases your stress levels before you are ready to deal with them. So, I wld say, have it mid-morning..

@andypayne4002

2 ай бұрын

Nah, thats why you should drink a pint of water first thing, then have a coffee.

@andrewashdown3541

2 ай бұрын

@@andypayne4002 I don't want a whole pint of water as well as a coffee. Yuck!

@andypayne4002

2 ай бұрын

Hahah I don't been straight away. Like 30 mins later.

@lorettashumate446

2 ай бұрын

Balderdash I say!!

@andrewashdown3541

2 ай бұрын

@@lorettashumate446 😂

I fully agree. The pleasure of solitude is especially profound for introverts; extroverts tend to get bored and seek a group to recharge. But I agree with all of them. Good grief, the morning pleasure of a shave is one I rarely miss. Once my equipment is out and close at hand, my first act is to touch my sink full of hot water with my palms and then get that warmth on my face. Wow! And then the lather and sliding the razor over my face. An after-shave balm, followed a few minutes later by a nice fragrance. By the way, feel no guilt over Chinese food. The oils they use are very healthy and the balance of meat to vegetables is more vegetable. There is a reason why most Chinese are slim. One of my pleasures is trying an exotic cuisine. We have a plethora of such restaurants: Ethiopian (really good), Thai, Middle Eastern, Mexican, etc. Thanks for another great list.

I really like your listing vids Ash. They're usually quirky and informative all at once. I have managed to cover both 1 and 4 combined for most of my career. I've spent days, often weeks every year walking over hills and dales for my holidays. I usually walk solo, but on rare occasions walked with one or two others who were like minded regarding quietness and solitude. I've never had a holiday by a beach or in a city. I always return refreshed and grounded for the next working term.

I love it. Great advice. I, however, am possessed of a face that requires a full beard. 😊

good to see you in oakwood lodge dear ol' chap! More vids hanging out there and cooking please!!!!

My morning routine is made up of many simple pleasures. Get up at 4:15am. Exercise until 6:00am, then a hot shower and then an awesome shave. Picking the razor, the blade, the shave soap, the aftershave/balm and then the cologne. Top it off with a healthy breakfast before 8:00am and I am ready for my day's challenges!😊

@adrianwalker2833

2 ай бұрын

When do you go to bed if you're getting up at the ungodly hour of 4.15 in the morning?😵‍💫

Moderate changes and indulgence is the key to a good life.

Your viewers who prefer coffee might consider investing in a burr grinder and a decent French press, and then grinding fresh beans and brewing coffee each morning.

Woodland walks working in the garden are my quiet time. Doing do it yourself projects and leather work ticks the box for creating. Laughing and enjoying the company of friends and colleagues with joyous banter. Skeet shooting and fishing. Breakfast with the CHAP!. AND COFFEE. Classical music. Cheers Ron

Beautiful life changing advice! Thank you sir!

The world is a wonderous thing. So nice to hear someone saying that. I am convinced that, if one can keep this fascination for it, life is a really adventurous and worthwhile trip 😎👍🏻

A beautiful pour of single malt, preferably an Islay.

Good points. Things often overlooked but a bit needed every day.

Spot on!

Nice video ash, some of the comments here have just made me laugh, I’m in the Middle East ( from England) enjoying my my freshly brewed cup of breakfast tea. Feeling happier already 😊

I share many of these same simple pleasures but others I really enjoy are a long shower or bath and occasionally sleeping in.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Not bad vices to allow yourself!

Invaluable advice sir.

All great points!

Ash, Another good video with real pearls for us all. I especially agree on making something as a real pleasure of life. I will make a little something at Christmas time for my kids and grandkids. Something personal and hopefully something that will bring them as much joy when they see it as it gave me in making it for them.

Very nice content. Thanks!

Though of course, not to be done in excess, the idea of a drink at the end of the day, a simple whisky on the rocks, helps wrap up the day and provide a moment of closure.

Great list! Whenever I need to calm a bit a long walk is always called for….but when that isn’t possible I follow Captain Picard’s example; “Earl Gray, hot.”

Excellent video …realising the little things are the big things in life and the big things are often little things…my little pleasure is a public bench in nature tea from my thermos and my bicycle next to me waiting to take me to another bench in an idyllic spot…thanks Ash…

Good stuff Ash, thanks!

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your perspective on the concept of payback for time invested. It is indeed a profound question to ponder upon. Payback can be both physical and mental, and it is crucial to consider whether the payback aligns with our core values. If the payback is short-term it may not be worth pursuing. If it's not aligned with your core values then its a definite no go.

💯% concur with all you have highlighted Sir ,you have a very prespective thought process which is a gift in itself , another great video👍

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Much appreciated

Thanks

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for the support sir.

I just discovered your KZread Chanel, you are already my favorits one, i can't wait to look all your past videos. Thanks for your work A great thanks from France ! (For me my favorites daily pleasures are to wear a tie, and to read a great book!)

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Welcome aboard!

An aromatic cup of coffee in the morning ...

I like 2 full teapsoons of sugar in my tea. Just 1 tea, most mornings. I guess that also makes it a comfort food? I like to go once every month or so to a quiet place and camp out over night. Warm up some tater hash or similar. Up early, pack and drive home for breakfast.

In our house, I do all the grocery shopping and cooking. The other day I told my wife, “All this healthy eating is killing me.”

It is certainly good to eat a hamburger every now and then. When you eat a hamburger, you actually help the environment. Because the grass is a plant. And the plants produce oxygen. And so the cows eat the grass. So whenever you eat a cow, You save acres and acres of grass. See if all the cows were allowed to live and eat the grass, all the grass would be eaten and then we might run out of oxygen. So eat a hamburger today and save them environment!

@danielschaeffer1294

2 ай бұрын

Besides, cows produce cow farts, which add to greenhouse gases and push all life closer to extinction. Furthermore, if the cows were allowed to run loose and overpopulate they’d only die of horrible diseases or be torn apart by packs of wolves. Cows became domesticated for a reason. They’re not as stupid as they look, and they know a good thing when they see it.

Dear Ash, thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. I currently find my joy in shaving. I had not shaved in decades, as I thought my skin was too sensitive, turns out, I just had to have your advice to do it right.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Wonderful!

Most days i have 1 tea, 1st thing, 2 full teaspoons of sugar. I guess that also makes it a comfort food? Once a month or so i like to drive to a quiet place and camp over night. Warm some tater hash made at home, be peaceful. Up early, pack and be home for breakfast.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Sounds like bliss.

Connection with nature is to me the most important. I have a robin, hedgehog, fox a nice pair of tits (easy now lads) even a bullfinch and a crow in the garden! Plus alot of green and trees - incredible even looking at it. With regards to Tea - I spent the first three years as a police officer as the tea boy owing to hiring freezes etc to this day my wife and anyone I make tea for always says the tea is incredible. Haha.

You might laugh at this, but, I don't get so much pleasure if I buy something new, with reference to 'making things'. I get no pleasure handing over the wonga and just being given say a pair of shoes! I much prefer getting a good used pair that have had the soles walked off them and making then as good as they can be again. That's where the pleasure is..... on top of the fact I couldn't justify spending £500 upwards on shoes. I don't feel something is mine if I didn't have a hand in it's making or upkeep.

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

I absolutely get it!

Ash, I love watching a show in London. As a single male I have been thinking about joining a club in London as a base. As an ex serviceman have you ever used the Union Jack club? I have been considering membership but don't know anyone who is a member. Thoughts?

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

I have been a member of the UJC for nearly 30-years and stay there very often - In fact I stayed for a day last week and will staying for 2-days in the coming week while I attend events in London. It is like a 2nd home to me and well worth the very modest membership fees.

Hello, Ash. I have a question for you. What to wear with a pair of shoes with some perforations?

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Sandals = no socks.

I have live in England 14 years and I know english people can't start any job without tea with milk. funny as fuck :D

A daily bath in a bathtub is my luxury and pleasure and relaxing

@TheChapsGuide

2 ай бұрын

Wonderful

Little close to that fire Chappy.

14:24 ... A filthy fling with a pizza : Proceed to show a plate of quality meat and roasted vegetables.

@12-OneTwo

2 ай бұрын

I love Chinese food too.

what about sex?

My simple pleasures, first thing in the morning a shave and a coffee. Getting out for a walk, visiting museums, educating the mind, learning to live a simple life and discovering eastern philosophy. Of course, simple foods are an absolute must, but as you say, treats must always be in moderation. Realizing that I am not the centre of the universe, ensures that I don’t go chasing after rainbows and I lead a simple life, which keeps me grounded. Finally, volunteering for the RAFA is an absolute must. Teaches you to give back to society and is incredibly rewarding.🫡

Good morning Ash, Chaps I'm on catch up today, having been in green yesterday and at a dinner night last night. Simple pleasures 🤔 I take my running as a decompression space. It keeps me sane. Make something 😁 I'll have a go at most things. I'm an engineer, I can repair by repair. I also have turned my hand to embroidery and leatherwork. I have made skirts and dresses for my daughters. I live on coffee, Strong and black. I keeps me set for life. I probably drink too much of it, but I've not got palpitations yet... I have reconnected daily shaving having dropped to twice a weekend. It keys me in to thinking that I display appearance and bearing that my students can model (they don't, but I try) Mostly I like to Tinker with my Land Rover. 🫡

Ah yes, perspective. You rightly state Ash that nature does indeed give us perspective. Life goes on whether we, ourselves, ever existed. Did before we were born; we carry on after we are dead. Quite so. Some other ideas about gaining perspective: Age: Go and see a war memorial near you. Particularly one which also has the ages of the dead. I regularly do this. Not appreciated for the good job you do at work? Go and read J.E.G. Dixon (2009). 'Dowding and the Churchill: The Dark Side of the Battle of Britain.' Two men who saved their country. The second 'binned' the first, then country, once victory had been one, 'binned' the second. How to the universe you are an irrelevance but then, so are your problems too: Look up at a starry starry night; Go visit a Cathedral. Problems Problems? Just read any book about being in what became Germany in the Thirty Years War (1618 - 1648) and that will make you thank God you were born when you when and where you were. Health? Read about Samuel Pepys having his 'stone' removed. No anaesthetic in those days. That should cheer you up! Keep up the great work Ash.