Ode To Joy

And a meditation to meet the moment.

Hello there,

Our world offers tumult and challenge but also brings moments of magnificent joy. We prefer the feeling of joy, yet we all experience our share of difficulty. At times, it can feel like it’s one or the other, but in reality, we experience them together. It’s not joy OR difficulty. It’s joy AND difficulty, always.

It helps to remember that joy is always around you when you are going through a challenging time. You don’t have to manufacture joy. It is already there. It doesn’t have to be a big wow moment. It exists in the mundane. Joy can be found in the familiarity of your favorite walk, the coffee that warms your hands, or in your favorite article of clothing —the one you reach for first when your clothes are fresh out of the wash. So, especially when things feel difficult, see if you can remember to find joy.

In your meditation practice as well as in life, you can notice the small ways that joy is already present. When we meditate we begin to slow our busy minds and bodies. We might encounter difficult emotions, disruptive thoughts, or physical discomfort. When it feels too challenging, remember to look for more joy or ease in your practice.