This time of year there are a lot of outdoor concerts which I love and many things to do that bring me joy. For me I just push myself to do them and then I am glad I do so. I look forward to all the summer events!
When I feel sad, low, upset & not too joyful I listen to music. Music lifts me up & improves my mood.
I will go outside & walk & make it my intention to look for happy, for Joy, for peace. 🌸🌼🌻🐄🌲
Listening to the birds warms my soul.
I hum, which is therapeutic for the vagus nerve.
Another way to lift my spirits.
Just a few thoughts on what helps me find joy when I am “down in the dumps”. ❤️
Stay cool everyone; it’s sooo hot & humid where I am at. 🥵 Seems to be everywhere except in the Southern Hemisphere.
🕊️❤️
Well, sometimes I cannot…until the darkness/sadness/grief/pain/anger recedes a bit as light pushes through my fogginess. Once that gift occurs, (and I don’t know how) joy seeps back in and I can even acknowledge joy in the sorrow/pain etc.
But until that “something” breaks through or that shift occurs in me, it seems the joy is clouded over or hidden.
I am always aware joy will return, it is just sometimes in the moment I am unable to reach for it-to acknowledge it.
Yes, something breaks through, joy seeps in. I think we wrote about two different aspects of the same thing. I share your perspective of always being aware that joy will return. Have a wonderful long weekend, Cathie.
Joy seems a bit difficult for me to define. Maybe it means to not be constantly searching for possessions or attention? If that is the case, then I think that the awareness that comes from breathing or gratitude point the way to joy. May we be safe and healthy….
That is a good question. I think joy, like happiness, isn’t something that I can conjure up or flip a switch to activate. The fact that simple things bring me joy, makes this a lot easier. Having a practice helps me too. I can fall back on my practice and know that if I do these things, these things that are good for me, I will be closer to joy. Of course getting outside and moving my body helps to shake off some of the conditioned negativity and stuckness.
Also, I’m trying to stay connected to all of it. If I am open to all of it and I don’t shrink away from the negativity, but become available and embrace all of it, it starts to not matter if something is joyful or painful. Of course, I’ll take joy over pain, but I don’t really get to decide. All I can do is try to be a steady rock in this vast ocean of change.
”If I am open to all of it and I don’t shrink away from the negativity, but become available and embrace all of it, it starts to not matter if something is joyful or painful.”
I think,
dear Charlie,
that you have struck on a key point . . .
and it’s all part of our Practice.
Thank you for putting it into words. ♥
Well said, Charlie. I also feel like I don’t really get to decide. Part of joy is that surprise element. You also mentioned how putting in the practice of joy can give you something to fall back on–maybe it provides an easy heading when not feeling 100%. I like that and I’m going to think about how I incorporate practice too.
For me, it’s to stop reaching. Surrender to what is. Maybe a pool of sadness is within. OK, immerse in the sensation of sadness. It will move, and reveal something else. Maybe an innate grace. Maybe joy. When I trust my ability to sit with sensation, it surprises me, and almost always leads to something peaceful and positive.
I choose love. I remind myself that willingness is my job. I can love in my little corner of the world; be light in the darkness; I share Richard Rohr’s daily meditation. It speaks from the christian perspective but the message is universal. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/loved-to-love-others/
I think acceptance is helpful. Using my effort wisely is something that I’m still learning to do. I still resist the fact that my youngest sister left this world in 2022. I missed so many opportunities with her. I want another chance. Staying in my resistance, and putting my emotional effort into having her back, (in essence that may be what I’m doing) will never lead to joy. But I have so many opportunities to be here with her sons and their children. That’s where my effort can help me to find joy. I still don’t know how to accept that Jean is gone. Maybe with time. But I do know how to love those who were most dear to her. Maybe I can accept my great loss and embrace the joy of loving her loved ones at the same time. Peace to all.
That is wonderful that you have many opportunities to be with her sons and their children. You will find joy in that and they will learn more about their mom through you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary. 2022 is pretty recent in grief terms. And grief operates on its own schedule. An approach that really helped me was the book “The Wild Edge of Sorrow.” I’ve gotten a lot of help by working with writing prompts, art, group work, ritual to process grief actively–“walking with grief” as Francis Weller writes. A journey for sure, but a fulfilling one that has led to joy more often than I would’ve expected. Sending love as you go through this.
When joy feels beyond reach, of course, I can’t fly, but I can create other joys that are within reach. Just like right now, sitting with my family at our favorite street coffee shop is beyond reach, but I can make my own coffee, sit by the window, and then give my family a video call. Joy doesn’t look for me; I look for it!
I love the quote for the day! It’s good to consider all the facts, but finding joy in the midst of them is incredibly key to living a full and fruitful life. Connecting with that joy in the midst of all the facts can be as just taking a few moments to step outside the situation for a moment – a walk down the hallway, outdoors, into another room; check in with someone outside the situation; watch a puppy or baby video, BREATHE!, gaze at a favorite photo, make a quick list of gratitudes, wonder how something is made or manufactured (look it up), work a puzzle or do an easy craft (hobby) – prayers, mantras, poems, a good novel. Joy is everywhere and so easy to tap into. Today my joy will be coffee with my friends. Have a great one!
When Joy feels beyond reach …two thoughts come to mind. Come back to gratitude for all that is in my life. Secondly, look to see where I can influence change that puts my spirit in a better spot. More practical than poetic, that’s how I roll. May joy find each of you today. 🌸
You have an anchor. There are central aspects of my life: my faith and practice, my husband, and nature. I can breathe and lean into these and find joy.
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This time of year there are a lot of outdoor concerts which I love and many things to do that bring me joy. For me I just push myself to do them and then I am glad I do so. I look forward to all the summer events!
Robin, Lions park close to my house has a concert every Wednesday evening.
When I feel sad, low, upset & not too joyful I listen to music. Music lifts me up & improves my mood.
I will go outside & walk & make it my intention to look for happy, for Joy, for peace. 🌸🌼🌻🐄🌲
Listening to the birds warms my soul.
I hum, which is therapeutic for the vagus nerve.
Another way to lift my spirits.
Just a few thoughts on what helps me find joy when I am “down in the dumps”. ❤️
Stay cool everyone; it’s sooo hot & humid where I am at. 🥵 Seems to be everywhere except in the Southern Hemisphere.
🕊️❤️
PKR
Stay cool and thank you for the kind worlds. 💞
Well, sometimes I cannot…until the darkness/sadness/grief/pain/anger recedes a bit as light pushes through my fogginess. Once that gift occurs, (and I don’t know how) joy seeps back in and I can even acknowledge joy in the sorrow/pain etc.
But until that “something” breaks through or that shift occurs in me, it seems the joy is clouded over or hidden.
I am always aware joy will return, it is just sometimes in the moment I am unable to reach for it-to acknowledge it.
CATHIE
I feel this deeply right now too. Thank you for being here . Hugs
I too,
have trouble with this,
dear Cathie,
but haven’t given up working on it.
It takes time and effort . . .
and trust. ♥
Yes, something breaks through, joy seeps in. I think we wrote about two different aspects of the same thing. I share your perspective of always being aware that joy will return. Have a wonderful long weekend, Cathie.
Joy seems a bit difficult for me to define. Maybe it means to not be constantly searching for possessions or attention? If that is the case, then I think that the awareness that comes from breathing or gratitude point the way to joy. May we be safe and healthy….
That is a good question. I think joy, like happiness, isn’t something that I can conjure up or flip a switch to activate. The fact that simple things bring me joy, makes this a lot easier. Having a practice helps me too. I can fall back on my practice and know that if I do these things, these things that are good for me, I will be closer to joy. Of course getting outside and moving my body helps to shake off some of the conditioned negativity and stuckness.
Also, I’m trying to stay connected to all of it. If I am open to all of it and I don’t shrink away from the negativity, but become available and embrace all of it, it starts to not matter if something is joyful or painful. Of course, I’ll take joy over pain, but I don’t really get to decide. All I can do is try to be a steady rock in this vast ocean of change.
”If I am open to all of it and I don’t shrink away from the negativity, but become available and embrace all of it, it starts to not matter if something is joyful or painful.”
I think,
dear Charlie,
that you have struck on a key point . . .
and it’s all part of our Practice.
Thank you for putting it into words. ♥
Well said, Charlie. I also feel like I don’t really get to decide. Part of joy is that surprise element. You also mentioned how putting in the practice of joy can give you something to fall back on–maybe it provides an easy heading when not feeling 100%. I like that and I’m going to think about how I incorporate practice too.
For me, it’s to stop reaching. Surrender to what is. Maybe a pool of sadness is within. OK, immerse in the sensation of sadness. It will move, and reveal something else. Maybe an innate grace. Maybe joy. When I trust my ability to sit with sensation, it surprises me, and almost always leads to something peaceful and positive.
This is beautiful and maybe what I was trying to explain?
I choose love. I remind myself that willingness is my job. I can love in my little corner of the world; be light in the darkness; I share Richard Rohr’s daily meditation. It speaks from the christian perspective but the message is universal.
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/loved-to-love-others/
Hope you feel better, Antoinette.
I think acceptance is helpful. Using my effort wisely is something that I’m still learning to do. I still resist the fact that my youngest sister left this world in 2022. I missed so many opportunities with her. I want another chance. Staying in my resistance, and putting my emotional effort into having her back, (in essence that may be what I’m doing) will never lead to joy. But I have so many opportunities to be here with her sons and their children. That’s where my effort can help me to find joy. I still don’t know how to accept that Jean is gone. Maybe with time. But I do know how to love those who were most dear to her. Maybe I can accept my great loss and embrace the joy of loving her loved ones at the same time. Peace to all.
A book I found very helpful :
Can Anyone Tell Me.
Thank you, Yram. I will look into it. 🙂♥️
That is wonderful that you have many opportunities to be with her sons and their children. You will find joy in that and they will learn more about their mom through you.
Jean was 6 years younger than me. I have lots of stories from childhood.
❤️☀️
🤗❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary. 2022 is pretty recent in grief terms. And grief operates on its own schedule. An approach that really helped me was the book “The Wild Edge of Sorrow.” I’ve gotten a lot of help by working with writing prompts, art, group work, ritual to process grief actively–“walking with grief” as Francis Weller writes. A journey for sure, but a fulfilling one that has led to joy more often than I would’ve expected. Sending love as you go through this.
Thank you Drea. I will look into this book. Thank you for the love.
I cast it on to the Lord. It’s always worked out. It ultimately comes down to realistic expectations, trusting him, and surrendering to his will.
When joy feels beyond reach, of course, I can’t fly, but I can create other joys that are within reach. Just like right now, sitting with my family at our favorite street coffee shop is beyond reach, but I can make my own coffee, sit by the window, and then give my family a video call. Joy doesn’t look for me; I look for it!
My Ngoc, there are certainly many ways to find joy.
I love this! 🙏
”Joy doesn’t look for me; I look for it!”
Wonderful response,
dear Ngoc! ♥
Ditto!
Doodle, sit, watch the clouds go by, and reach out to others.
I love the quote for the day! It’s good to consider all the facts, but finding joy in the midst of them is incredibly key to living a full and fruitful life. Connecting with that joy in the midst of all the facts can be as just taking a few moments to step outside the situation for a moment – a walk down the hallway, outdoors, into another room; check in with someone outside the situation; watch a puppy or baby video, BREATHE!, gaze at a favorite photo, make a quick list of gratitudes, wonder how something is made or manufactured (look it up), work a puzzle or do an easy craft (hobby) – prayers, mantras, poems, a good novel. Joy is everywhere and so easy to tap into. Today my joy will be coffee with my friends. Have a great one!
I love having ☕️ with friends too Katrina.
Hope you found your joy today, coffee & friends, the best.❤️
When Joy feels beyond reach …two thoughts come to mind. Come back to gratitude for all that is in my life. Secondly, look to see where I can influence change that puts my spirit in a better spot. More practical than poetic, that’s how I roll. May joy find each of you today. 🌸
Well
I think it’s poetic,
dear Mary . . .
every thing can be. ♥
You are kind, Sparrow. Thank you.🌸
You have an anchor. There are central aspects of my life: my faith and practice, my husband, and nature. I can breathe and lean into these and find joy.