Sharing Joy

I'll be the first to admit that I am not a naturally Joy-Full person.  By this I mean, I have to work hard every day to cultivate joy in my life, otherwise I can be a rather moody individual, even melancholic. 

I am, after all, a Four.  And Fours like hanging out in the darker corners of life, or in my case, hiding out in my serenity shell as opposed to fully engaging in life.  Sometimes.

I am aware of this inward tendency and so I am just as aware of the need to find moments in the every day that fill me with joy.  The moment can be as simple as having a meaningful conversation with someone with whom I am feeling very connected.

Or, drinking a cup of tea in a mindful way, aware of the warmth on my hands, and the nourishing effects of each sip. 

These ordinary acts of pleasure fill my days with bite-size moments of joy.

When I do not make a conscious effort to cultivate joy, I am a person who sees the negative in life, in myself and in others.  That's not a place which is helpful, or healthy. 

I also realize that by cultivating joy within, I am much more able to be compassionate outside myself.  I am able to peek out of my shell and stay out for longer periods of time, with the intent of sharing my joy with others. 

Oh, how interconnected that makes me feel to humanity! 

And isn't that the point of feeling joy?  To share this disposition with everyone whose path intersects yours?

Sometimes being joyful means putting on a funny hat and letting people share in your silliness
Photo taken in Quebec City, Winter 2011

What are things you do to cultivate joy-full-ness?  Are you naturally joy-full? 

Wishing you lots of joy on the path you travel.

Make a Wish

I am currently making wishes:

1) For my husband to attain a full-time teaching position (he is currently teaching half days in a Gr. 2 classroom).
2) For us to find a house that is affordable but that also touches our heart in some way.  A place we can truly call, home.
3) For us to have grateful hearts despite whatever we feel are our hardships
4) For us to dwell in peace within, so that we may be emissaries of peace outside ourselves

Wishing you the fulfillment of your wishes too.

Photo taken within Boldt Castle

A Word or Two, Ok, Maybe a Few...On Trusting

Max Ehrmann, in his poem Desiderata wrote,

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

I would definitely benefit from having more trust in the unfolding of the Universe, even when it appears that things are far from ideal, or at the very least, not going my way. 

I am currently reading, Writing and the Spiritual Life, and the line,
Within myself, I can bump up against God and still not trust Him
resonates quite deeply.

Life is definitely easier when I place trust in that which is Greater than myself. 
But, oh, how forgetful am I
when I think it's all up to me to make things happen. 

Here's to bumping up against a Higher Power and trusting,
What is to be, will be,
For my betterment.
Though it may not always be
Apparent at the time.