Joy and More Joy………………………..
This is not my dog…but the expression on this dog’s face, I have seen many times on my dog’s faces. Even though someone has thought a bow tie is a good accessory; (seriously) it has not deterred the dog one little bit. If you are not a dog lover – you can find the same innate joy in a kitten – playfully chasing a ball of yarn (uh oh) or a bird – singing for no apparent reason – even a lizard can appear to be smiling (you have seen the Gecko commercials right?) These are all beings in a state of joy – its not because the stock market is improving – its not because things are opening or vaccinations are being distributed….its simply and purely the natural exuberance of life pouring through their innate design.
My dear friend and colleague works with people to help them find their innate design…their DNA towards life…When people are introduced to themselves in this way – there are some surprising responses. Some weep with joy (you can weep with joy) at finding they actually have one – others are moved to express what they uncover in a myriad of ways and yes of course some resist. I was one of those – years ago – when I did that work, I was annoyed. I wanted someone else’s design. And yes my design contained some elements of joy. As time went by I began to see the authenticity of my innate orientation – this is beyond talents, and gifts and development but into the very fiber of who we are.
As I began to surrender to this organic architecture of who I am something began to soften – each of us has something unique and precious to bring to the table…to bring to the world in such a time as this. That renaissance I see happening, is in part, bringing your own brand of joy to very encounter, every experience, every moment. Its available even in the loneliness of this last year – even in the losses which seem very large – even in the conflict with our neighbors and those who think differently than we do. You can’t end joy – you can only choose not to notice it or act on it. This week go looking for it in a dog’s face, in a baby’s giggle, in the warm smile of someone you don’t know and most of all, in the design of wonderful you!
