Tuning Your Instrument to Joy
Whatever lifts the corners of your mouth, trust that. –Rumi
Several weeks ago our son’s school temporarily closed.
Let’s just say my first reaction wasn’t one of delight.
And, while the experience hasn’t been all rainbows, unicorns, and butterflies, there have been some moments of utter delight.
“What do you want to start with?” I asked one morning after breakfast.
“Math,” he said unequivocally.
But, as we got a few problems in, I could tell he wasn’t into it. No sooner, he dropped his head to the table and said, “I feel like a sloth.”
“How about watching a video on sloths, then?” I asked somewhat jokingly.
His eyes lit up with curiosity, “Okay!”
We ended up on quite a journey, learning about where sloths live, what they eat, and how it would feel to act like one (my favorite part!).
Then, we learned about the sloth’s predator – a jaguar – endangered cats & deforestation, which inspired an 8000-question-conversation about how to take better care of our beautiful planet. Pretty sure he had more answers than I did!
Mind you, all of this was guided by his curiosity – and the simple willingness to trust that which lifts the corners of his mouth.
Now, you might be wondering, what’s the point of this?
One point is that we’ve been so conditioned to leave joy out of the picture when it comes to learning – and living.
Thinking that things must be hard in order to be worthwhile.
Thinking that resistance, fear and struggle must be conquered, or over-ridden, at all costs.
And while a certain amount of challenge is one facet of a meaningful life, it’s not the whole of it.
As my mentor, Steve Hoskinson, says, “Feeling better is better.”
When you feel better, you do better. (and not in an over-achieving kind of way, but in a way that honors your real needs, desires, and values).
When you feel better, you re-teach yourself that you’re more than the sum of your problems, pains, and traumas.
When you feel better, your nervous system recovers the vital energy it needs for deep and lasting healing.
Our biology is made for pleasure and connection, my friend.
May we heed them as our greatest allies for healing and thriving,
Breon
P.S. Practice letting yourself notice simple pleasure this week (your pet sidled up to your side, a delicious meal, funny chat with a friend). Would love to hear how it goes.. just respond here! Alternatively, book a free chat if you’re interested in exploring how to access more joy or ease in everyday life.