Joy

When we attune to life’s gifts and pause to appreciate them, we can open ourselves to the joy that is available to us. When we intentionally share our delight, we create joy that ripples out to our friends, family, and the world. Yet, there are times in each of our lives when joy can feel far out of reach. As Br. David Steindl-Rast reminds us, it is impossible to be grateful for everything that happens in our lives; that is not the goal. The invitation — the possibility — lies in developing a practice to which we can return as a touchstone for gratitude, even in the most challenging times. Grateful Living nourishes our capacity to hold, simultaneously, life’s sorrows and its gifts. In welcoming the great fullness of life with great fullness of heart, we leave the door open for joy’s emergence.