Don’t postpone joy. There are 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows in the world, and keeping this in mind can help us to maintain a balanced perspective during times of joy and sorrow.
During times of loss, illness, confusion, or just the routine of our daily grind, it’s sometimes easy to become preoccupied by the difficulty, busyness, or stress and lose touch with joy. When someone says to me that they have lost a capacity to feel joy, I remind them that it is possible, and I believe necessary, to cultivate joy.
Don’t postpone joy until you feel better or have more time or energy. The only guarantee we have is this moment. Try making a list of things that bring you joy. If you feel you’ve lost your capacity for feeling joy, make a list of what used to bring you joy. See if you can find a sense of open-hearted joy in the simple things, like feeling the sun on your skin, listening to morning birdsong, connecting with a cherished friend, tasting your favorite food, or appreciating a clear blue sky. Make time to experience what brings you joy several times throughout each day. When you feel it, pause, breathe, and really soak it in.
Don’t postpone joy until you have learned all of your lessons. Joy is your lesson. –Alan Cohen
In memory of Laurey Masterton.
Jen Johnson is a mindfulness coach and therapist teaching meditation and creativity for healing and resilience. Learn more about mindfulness coaching with Jen.