Pleasure and Joy!
I resolve that in 2025, I will remember how much fun it is to dance!
On New Year’s Eve 2024, about 150 of us on Insight Timer and Zoom had a dance party. I was at a friend’s house and the three of us danced in the same room as well as engaging with people on screen. We had SO MUCH FUN!
What are some of the ways you have fun?
These are some of my quieter pleasures
Lighting a candle and listening with eyes closed to beautiful music.
Relaxing with my dog warm on my lap
Leaning into a favorite tree and savoring the connection and support
Dancing around the kitchen as I prepare a meal
Yoga, relaxation and breathing brings me joy
Engaging with others
Many times a day laughing at my dog Shantih’s delight in play
Sitting with friends around a fire or a meal, sharing about our lives
Feeling emotionally moved watching the new season of Queer Eye
A shared experience of warm sun on our skin and the beautiful light in and on the water as we swim
The invigorating fun of dancing for a half hour until we’re sweaty and flush with the joy of being alive
The Dalai Lama is quoted as saying that if you don’t have time to meditate for a half hour a day, meditate for an hour. When we’re struggling with the hard realities of life, we more than ever need the strength we tap into when experiencing the deep stillness in our mind. One of the pathways to this is joy.
When life is hard, look for ways to have more fun. Skip feeling guilty about enjoying life when others are suffering and the world is in trouble. A great way to resource ourselves and bring our strength and love to others is to treat ourselves with kindness and HAVE MORE FUN!
“The greatest gift you can give the world is a peaceful mind.” Swami Veda Bharati.