Week 54 - Sitting in the Power

Shimmering Joy by guest host, Nancy Bragg

I was recently introduced to shimmering, as a spiritual discernment and self-exploration practice. Shimmering is a subtle form of becoming aware, that catches our attention, glows faintly, and asks to be noticed. A word, image, or experience can shimmer for us with a kind of personal energy or significance, that catches our heart’s attention, or stirs a deeper awareness. It shimmers with invitation and has a clear gravitational pull on our senses. It might even stir unexpected emotion or resistance. 

Several years ago I read The Book of Joy, where Douglas Abrams captures the wisdom and joy that radiates from the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu. What shimmered for me was that they both had noticed that Western cultures were not as joyful as theirs. We, in Western cultures, seem to suffer from “not enoughness,” which inhibits our joy.

So, I looked back at the Eight Pillars of Joy in the book. They are positive qualities of the mind and heart that allow us to experience more joy. Perhaps one will shimmer for you. Listen for what catches your heart’s attention and invites you to deepen.

Positive qualities of the mind that allow us to experience more joy:

Perspective allows us to step back, see a bigger picture, and let our worry and anxiety lessen.  

Humility allows us to be down-to-earth human beings, interacting with fellow human beings.

Humor allows us to be at ease and spontaneous, ready to laugh at ourselves and life.

Acceptance allows us to be open to anyone or anything, clarify what is, and engage with reality.  

Positive qualities of the heart that allow us to experience more joy:

Forgiveness allows us to choose to heal past hurt and free ourselves.

Gratitude allows us to savor what life offers with a sense of grace, blessing, and abundance.

Compassion allows us to approach ourselves and others with curiosity and loving acceptance.  

Generosity allows us to freely and lovingly share our presence and resources with one another.

Photo credit: The Firebird

JOY CHOSE YOU!

 By Donna Ashworth

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare

on a red carpet strewn

with the flowers of a perfect life

joy sneaks in

as you pour a cup of coffee

watching the sun

hit your favorite tree

just right

and you usher joy away

because you are not ready for her

your house is not as it should be

for such a distinguished guest

but joy, you see

cares nothing for your messy home

or your bank balance

or your waistline

joy is supposed to slither through

the cracks of your imperfect life

that’s how joy works

you cannot truly invite her

you can only be ready

when she appears

and hug her with meaning

because in this very moment

joy chose you.