Where do you find joy? What is it that makes your heart sing and how often do you spend time being in that place?
Joy can show up when you least expect it, even when we're doing the most mundane things in life. You may well ask how joy could possibly show up while doing the mundane, but it can. You can miss it if you are not being mindful of what is here in this moment.
Joy is an energy that has a certain feeling to it. Of course, it naturally shows up on occasions, such as weddings, a birthday or a celebration of some type. But we can also discover joy from the simple things in life, such as flowers, a sunset or the laughter of a child.
Have you ever noticed that when you're around people who are naturally joyful, it becomes contagious? When we experience joy in people, places or things, there's a tendency to want to be in the presence of that because it awakens the joy in us.
There is one such person I know who is naturally joyful. She grew up in the war-torn zones of the Sudan and left her family behind to come to Canada. While she has experienced such horror in her life, she shows up in the world with beautiful energy. Simply asking her how she is brings about a giggle and joy from her. I know many people who have discovered joy in the midst of their sadness or when facing a fear. It's only our mind that tells us it's not possible.
When sad things happen in our lives, it's difficult to see the joy. We also don't want to avoid any emotions to go looking for the joy because that puts off what we really feel.
But, we can recognize that is it possible for joy and sadness to be present at the same time. Joy is an aspect of who we are. It is always present in our being.
Make a list of the things that bring joy into your life and be mindful when joy is present. Of course, you may notice joy shows up in the activities you have listed, but you may also discover that it's present in any and all situations throughout your day.
Joy is simply a state of being. Take the time to stop and really acknowledge the feeling of joy when it is present. When you consciously become aware of this energy and pay attention to it, you may notice its presence in your life more often than you realized.
Lorraine Wilson is a guest speaker, group facilitator and provides one-on-one mentoring for those who wish to live a mindful life. For more information visit www.keepinglifesimple.org.
