Accessing Joy Through Gratitude (Even When it’s Messy)
Accessing Joy Through Gratitude (Even When it’s Messy)
THIS EMAIL IS LATE | BECAUSE LIFE IS NOT A STRAIGHT LINE
Is Real Joy Possible?
I’m asking myself this question after spending time reflecting on what message I need to receive most right now. ‘Joy’ kept coming up, and it honestly felt ironic - like my guides were poking me with a sarcastic smile, knowing September has been a particularly hectic month not only personally but also in the world.
How am I supposed to embrace the message of joy when the world is hurting? It’s literally on fire, people - women, in particular - are fighting for their rights to be heard and represented, and it’s dizzying to navigate if we should re-enter society or hole up and take cover.
To begin to embrace the possibility of joy, I had to pull back from the often nebulous concept of beaming, exuberant joy and instead hone an appreciative but meticulously smaller scope of joy. My “WTF is going on with the world and will this ever end?” + “Wake up, people!” has coexisted with “I’m thankful for this one meal” + “Yes, my kids were a fantastic disaster getting ready for school, but at least I don’t have to commute to my old, draining corporate job right now after school drop-offs.”
My joy is best felt through gratitude - small, tangible gratitude, peppered throughout the day, particularly when things get bumpy (and sometimes teary).
It may feel counterintuitive to suggest that now is a time for gratitude and maybe even joy. After all, worry and anger abound over justified concerns and conflicts. But, are worry and anger preventing you from being present - and maybe even joyful - for yourself, your loved ones, and the gifts you have to offer the world?
I propose that to show up more fully in our lives - for ourselves, our community, and the disadvantaged - that we also take time for precious moments of gratitude. Maybe, fingers crossed, if we nudge towards daily, tangible gratitude - and, dare I say, joy - we can offer the world and all those in need more kindness, more healing, and more hope.
I DIDN’T INVENT GRATITUDE | BUT MAYBE A GENTLE REMINDER HELPS
The Gokai
5 principles, known as the Gokai, form the core of Reiki teachings. In the lineage of Reiki, Mikao Usui, founder of Usui Reiki Ryoho, regarded these principles as the secret to inviting happiness through many blessings and the spiritual medicine for all illness - a sizable claim!
Gratitude is on the list. I’m not suggesting it’s the most important principle there, but it certainly made the list.
Gratitude is a step. A tool. An intention. We’re currently on Earth, wearing our human suits, so we will try, fail, get back up, keep going, and hopefully embrace gratitude as a gateway to joy while we fumble through life.
Because there’s work to be done.
1 DAY | 5 INTENTIONS
The Gokai
Just for today, I will live with gratitude
Just for today, I will not worry
Just for today, I will not anger
Just for today, I will do my work honestly
Just for today, I will have respect for every living thing
1 FINAL NOTE | BECAUSE THERE’S A DIFFERENCE
Neither the Gokai, nor any spiritual or philosophical belief system replaces professional, trained medical care. They may compliment each other, but if you’re truly lost in anger and worry, reach out for help.