Step1
One of my pet projects: simple and useful.
No claims on the process:
When I decide to take on a woodworking project, I follow 10 basic steps, which I'll outline here, as this is about enjoying, not necessarily doing:
1. Develop a "mental blueprint"
2. Prepare sketches, material lists, etc.
3. Procure the materials
4. Layout and cut the materials
5. Sand the cut pieces
6. Assemble the pieces
7. Re-sand if needed
8. Wipe down with mineral spirits
9. Apply stain and/or clear finish
10. Apply "final touches".
Step2
The real attraction:
Because this topic is not about "how" I carry out these steps, but is about what I might get out of carrying them out, I won't go any farther with the technicalities.
Working with wood has always intrigued me. Not only because beautiful things can be created from wood, but because the process of creating those things is beautiful, too!
Step3
Smaller version of above unit.
The lessons of beauty:
Besides the beneficial organizational exercises of carrying out a project from concept to completion, there are often more 'spiritual' lessons involved as well. For example, when I'm working with a piece of wood, as I take it through each step of fabrication right down to applying the finish and final touches, I take note of how its beauty exposes itself more with each step in the process. The lesson is obvious: "Sometimes beauty is, indeed, hidden deep inside, and may need to go through some steps to become exposed". And there are so many others, if one pays close attention during the project steps.
Step4
The rewards and enjoyment:
Then, of course, when the project is all done, and ready to be "unveiled", the 'tickle-in-the-tummy' starts up in anticipation of the praise and applause that will come when others witness your 'handiwork'. Time for the 'bragging rights'.
Woodworking is fun and rewarding!
One of my pet projects: simple and useful.
No claims on the process:
Smaller version of above unit.
The lessons of beauty:
Authority 
