Joy – such an ambiguous word, actually. We often find ourselves having to really clarify what we mean by joy when we talk about it. Joy can be subtle, a kind of contentment. It can be like elation and quite energetic. It can be calm and only lightly expressed. What kind of joy are you practicing? 

Most of us, by the time we have been adults for a little while at least, come to realize that joy is rarely going to be the big energetic kind we enjoy in the squealing and delight that is seen in the expression of our children. What is the difference between what is expressed by the child who is loudly appreciative, and your own joy in seeing this in the kids? Why is it so different?

I would like to invite you to notice the many flavors of joy in your life. For so many people, the holidays can be bitter-sweet with some of the memories painful, or difficult to sit with. Take time for yourself to honor your real feelings about this time of year, and to notice what your own particular brand of joy is for this season. We don’t have to latch onto this, thinking this is ours for keeps. Nope… all emotions are temporary teachers and communicators. We can just accept what they tell us now, and let them go. Whether what you feel at this time of year is “good” or “bad,” you can trust that it will pass, so this is the time to acknowledge what arises for you. Let yourself experience the type of joy, even the bitter-sweet kind, and let it turn into a wish for those around you.

What kind of joy do you want to bring to the party, the breakfast table, the grocery store. It is worth thinking through. How can we give the gift of joy to those around us in ways that match and beautify our own natural experience of this time? Perhaps you can be the calm secret santa, the jovial giver of bounty, the persistent sharer of experiences? Give yourself a little role to play, and then let it go. See how what you do can be a gorgeous creation and a fleeting thing. This is always the case. And that brings be joy!

See you tomorrow!