Find Your Way Back to Joy

Life throws curveballs. We endure hardships, navigate losses, and grapple with internal struggles. It’s easy to get used to “adjusting” to these challenges, becoming adept at weathering storms and, at the same time, bypassing the sunshine days. The question is, are you “suffering” through or are you finding joy along the way?

Life’s Challenges and the Journey to Joy

Here’s a radical concept: There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path. If you don’t believe this to be true, you will not get anywhere in life. You will stay stuck. You will suffer.

Joy is not a linear progression or a reward at the end of a long tunnel. Joy, in its purest form, is woven into the fabric of our existence. We have to allow ourselves to feel it – and we don’t. We ignore joy because it feels frivolous and we are addicted to suffering. 

Happiness as a Path, Not a Destination

Sometimes we get distracted by the heaviness of the world. That’s part of the process of being human. The important thing is to recognize hard things and hard times and allow yourself to be distracted by joy for a change. It is long past time to rediscover what that means for you.

Simple Practices for Rediscovering Joy

Start by adopting simple practices, big or small, and incorporate them into your everyday routine. Consider them to be stepping stones on a pathway you are building for yourself. Here are a few examples of tiny, joyful distractions you can use to start shifting away from suffering:

• take a walk in nature 
• call a loved one 
• savor a cup of tea
• doodle
• write words
• sing in the shower

Maybe you already know this, but the most powerful antidote to suffering is kindness. I will tell you…not a single joyful, healing person wants to hurt someone else. Remember your neighbor who helped you dig out your car? That was an act of joyful rebellion – and I bet it left you both feeling lighter and more positive as a result.

The Power of Kindness in Overcoming Suffering

Evil thrives on negativity and causes us to lash out in unhealthy ways from the pain. 

We can break that cycle, though. Because when life gets hard, it can actually propel us towards joy if we allow it. Joy gives us relief from suffering. When challenges arise, you can choose to face reality, and not succumb to negativity.

We need to crank up the basic goodness inside ourselves. It’s more than just a feel-good adage. Science backs the connection between kindness and well-being. A simple act of kindness, like holding the door open for a stranger, can ripple outwards as a chain reaction of positive emotions.

Your Action Plan for Embracing Joy

Ready to rediscover joy for yourself? Here’s your action plan:

• Walk your dog, call your friend, or connect with loved ones. These are the building blocks of joy.
• Learn to identify your “ego triggers.” Are you seeking to be right or seeking joy? Choose the path that leads to peace.
• Listen to your body’s signals. Discomfort and tension might nudge you from a path that doesn’t serve you.
• Embrace pleasure and goodness. It’s not an indulgence; it’s nourishment for your soul.

Remember, joy isn’t some distant paradise. It’s here, within your reach. Create stepping stones, embrace kindness, and let joy guide you home. Please contact Rachel Gordon  if you have questions about Buddhist psychology and integrative, holistic techniques to address mental health issues and promote total body wellness.

If you live in the greater Denver Metro Area or Colorado Springs and would like to learn more about what Rachel has to offer through Humble Warrior Therapy, please call (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule.