Reclaiming Joy: A Practical Magic

​There have been a lot of books written on happiness, but not many about joy. Maybe because happy is so shiny, so pretty—the cheerleader on the front row who gets all the attention, while joy is deeper, subtler, more elusive—the Mona Lisa of emotions.

Joy comes softly and stays. Happiness rushes in like a wind, fleeting, slamming the door behind her in her wake. Joy is not as sexy as happiness—if happiness is a temperamental thoroughbred, joy is a steady, plodding oxen making its way unerringly back to the barn.

So given the choice (everything, and I mean everything! is a choice), I choose joy. 

Joy is about balance. Keeping mind, body and spirit nourished, and in alignment with your highest life path is a tricky balancing act, but one well worth it. 

Living life with joy is like being in love. You consciously choose to look at the world through a different lens. You are in a state of being in love and this gives you the ability to quite literally view everyone and everything through the gorgeous haze of love. You have greater compassion. It’s all perception. 

Living without joy is like being in a constant state of depression. You look at the world through a dark and heavy haze characterized by consistent and persistent negative thoughts. 

We are all loved and valuable. We are all sparks of God/Universe/Spirit/Love, whatever signifier works for you. What are your God-spark words? Consider all of the following words. Sort them into the following 3 categories: Positive Charge, Neutral, Negative Charge, and then get curious about WHY they hold these charges for you. There’s a message there, and it’s an opportunity to own your strengths and forgive your weaknesses: Vital, Curious, Truthful, Honest, Empathetic, Smart, Valuable, Wonderful Lover, Wonderful Parent, Healthy, Balanced, Bright, In Flow, Fascinated, Sensual, Strong, Joyful, Patient, Committed, Passionate, Exciting, Friend, Adventurous, Beautiful, Compassionate, Brilliant, Wonderful, Lovely, Fascinating, Energetic. 

Keep in mind that every thought is a choice contributing positively or negatively to our experience of joy. Every moment is an echo. Every eventuality is a passage manifested. Life is not a series of random events. Even though it can certainly seem so at times.

I remember the first time I became aware of the magical elements illuminating joy and transcending the world I could initially only perceive with my five senses. I was seven years old, traipsing on my own through the woods of Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. And all of a sudden I felt everything. Felt golden. Felt the light coming though the trees also coming through me. It was epiphany. It was Divine. It was Magic. I felt a part of everything, all at once. I felt transported. Joyful.

Similar experiences have inflected my days ever since, and I’m profoundly grateful, as I’m never truly alone. Life can and should be magical. Practical magic, indeed. But magical nonetheless. Anything is possible. The kinder and wiser our gaze, the broader and more lovely the sweep of our imagination….and manifestation. 

Wishing you all your full portion of joy. 
XOKate