A photo Jon made with his phone
Last night we went out to see the Plymouth fireworks display. Though I love watching fireworks and it was an easy close drive to a place where we could view the fireworks beautifully without crowds of people, I almost didn’t go.
As the evening progressed I became more and more comfortable in my chair reading a good book and for a moment or two it didn’t seem like it was worth the effort to go out to see the fireworks.
But Jon was my
Joy Whisperer
softly reminding me how I had wanted to go see the fireworks and how we had driven around earlier in the day to find the perfect spot to sit and watch them. Then I also reminded myself how it was worth a little bit of effort to experience wonder and joy. And how often I resist getting up to see sunrises and then am always glad that I made the effort to do so.
I’m so glad that I overcame my inertia last night. Simply being out at twilight in the cool gentle air felt magical. I got to see the last glow of after-sunset light and watch the sky slowly darken. It was so beautiful. As I watched the colorful sky and felt the gentle touch of the evening breeze I realized that even if I saw no fireworks, it was worth it to simply be outside on this beautiful evening watching the twilight sky.
I cannot cause light; the most I can do is try to put myself in the path of its beam. It is possible, in deep space, to sail on solar wind. Light, be it particle or wave, has force: you can rig a giant sail and go. The secret of seeing is to sail on solar wind. Hone and spread your spirit till you yourself are a sail, whetted, translucent, broadside to the merest puff.
― Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
Because I’ve been having some walking pain recently we sat in the car waiting for the fireworks to begin. Then we walked a very short distance to a nearby path and stood and watched the wonderful fireworks show paint the sky with light.
With the first burst of a star of light in the sky I felt a smile widen across my face. I felt like giggling and could feel tingles of joy rushing through me. Time stood still. Though I’ve seen fireworks many times I felt like it was the first time I’d ever experienced them. I brought my camera along but found that making photographs distracted me from my joy. So I made a few photos now and then but didn’t spend any serious effort to “capture” the scene.
Showing Up
Afterwards I reflected on how I almost hadn’t made the effort to go see the fireworks and how glad I was that I overcame my inertia and showed up. Joy doesn’t always simply drop in your lap. Sometimes you need to make a bit of effort to put yourself in a place where joy is likely to make a visit.
First, feel joy.
Second, deepen joy.
Third, use the source of that joy as the source of your service.— Liv Lane and Lori Portka, Infinite Purpose
Most of us know what lights us up with joy. But what is more difficult to understand is what stops us from seeking out those sources of joy. For me I think it is often little things and little fears. Perhaps it won’t be any fun. Maybe we won’t be able to see the fireworks well. What if we can’t find a parking place? Tiny little niggling fears that often stop me in my tracks.
I also think that the long pandemic had a lasting impact on me that I’m still working through. Staying at home was so easy, so seemingly safe, and so comfortable. Going out into the world, means facing fears, discomfort, possible disappointment. And lately I’ve had more pain than I care to deal with, without going out and doing a lot of things in the world.
“I guess that’s all forever is,” his father replied. “Just one long trail of nows. And I guess all you can do is try and live one now at a time without getting too worked up about the last now or the next now.”
― The Horse Whisperer
So my challenge to myself and to you is to become a joy whisperer, encouraging yourself and others to show up and seek out sources of joy in the world.
May you walk in beauty.
0 Comments