J
oy (noun): a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Example:
“tears of joy”
I was recently observing how many times a day I feel great
pleasure, and whether or not I can manage more of it. I came
to the conclusion that it is highly dependent on myself. I am
responsible for my own joy. I am glad to report that even when
my life is topsy-turvy, I can still find joy. In fact, lately it has been a
matter of urgency to hunt it down and own it as part of my day. Part
of looking after myself is finding joy in small moments, when the big
moments threaten to overwhelm.
When I go to bed at night, and reflect on my day, I find so many
moments of joy and this helps me fall asleep with a smile in my
heart. Recently, a good friend joined me on a dog walk through
the neighbouring magical woodland. It made me happy to share
my usually solitary ritual with him. He was excited about being in
nature and told me stories of ‘how to buy a forest’, so we went on to
imagine what fun that would be. There was a moment where the sun
caught his story-telling eyes, surrounded by nature’s green glitter,
and my pup gaily bouncing by... I captured and banked the moment.
Not only did I feel joy right then, but later when I reflected on my
day, it filled my joy tank up again. When you are open to the simple
things, joy just keeps on coming.Magic moments
Don’t get me wrong and think that my days are golden and rosy.
I paint a pretty picture and yes, it really is how I see it, but it took
immense practice and discipline to get me here. Life can be dark
and scary, and there are times I forget to believe in simple magic. In
those times, I know that I have to step up and find happiness or else
the darkness might envelope me. In the past, I have tried many times
and failed, and felt the cloak of sadness enshroud me. Then one
day I just stopped trying so hard and looked to the smaller things
for comfort. It worked. It seemed to stop the scatter, so I built on the
practice. I noticed the dew dripping off an autumn leaf and it filled
me with wonder. I learned to capture moments of beauty instead of
missing them, and my vision expanded. I notice that gestures make
me happy too: the swagger of my pup makes me laugh; making eye
contact with a stranger makes me feel worthy and dotting my i’s with
a little heart when writing fills me with joy. I notice that joy happens
when I am compassionate, especially towards myself, so I pay closer
attention to my needs these days.
I start each day by giving my pup a kiss, and letting us both out
into the garden. I put the kettle on to make my daily coffee and
give her coat a good brush. Then, with her head on my lap, I sit in
meditation, which neutralises my over-active mind and keeps me
sane. I feel that this sets me up for the day with my eyes and heart
open, and my mind calm and ready to receive. I notice butterflies in
the garden, little feathers on the ground and the sleepy smile on my
daughter’s face as she greets the day. Feelings of great pleasure and
happiness weave in and out of my day.
This seeking for joy has made me feel gentler in the world, and
as private and silent as it is, it feels larger in my heart. Giving and
receiving is the same. I knew this in theory but now I experience it
more frequently. Find your own level of happiness and don’t stop
until it’s there. Let it keep you company like an invisible friend who is
always near. Hunt it down like I had to, and then show it the respect
it deserves. For it is your responsibility to be joyful, so open your
heart and take the plunge. I wish you and those around you, endless
moments of joy.om family
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