Yesterday I took my dog, Jett, on a walk after a snowstorm. I clipped on my snow shoes for the first time this season, and we started down a familiar local trail we have walked countless times in all seasons. He leaped through deep snow, and I could imagine that if he could talk (which I like to imagine not infrequently), he would say, "this is the best minute of my life!" and one minute later, "no, this one is!" Reaching the furthest point, a piece of land that juts out with ocean on three sides, the afternoon light cast long shadows of the trees across the snow. I looked back from the way I had come and saw my snowshoe trail was marked by the sun's warmth and the darker shadows.
Nature is an excellent teacher of everything constantly changing. Every time I walk on the same trail, it's a new experience. It's always different-- the cloud cover, wind, temperature, and who I am and my companions are.
We're all part of this beauty, it's all around, and it's not something you want to miss! Yesterday I listened to the snow crunch beneath my snow shoes, felt the cold wind on my face, and smelled the crispness of the forest. I stood there smiling, joyful and grateful, taking it all in. After awhile, Jett started wondering when I would do something more interesting, like throw a snowball. When a Buddhist monk was asked why do you practice meditation, he responded, "so that when I walk into town, I can notice the little purple flowers along the side of the road."
So much joy is accessible in the small moments. If you think of moments when you're most joyful (laughing with friends, hugging a loved one, playing with a pet), the common denominator is that you are present. Your mind isn't wandering; your body and mind are in one place, thoroughly soaking in the moment. Cultivating mindfulness can allow you to access joy by accessing presence more often. It's a trainable skill, which means you can choose presence and open yourself to more joy. Because who wouldn't want to feel more of this (see below) feeling?
Reflection: How do you relate to the concept or experience of joy? Is it easily accessible for you? Where, when, and in what situations do you most experience it? What other feelings or thoughts come up about joy?
