May Spiritual Practice

Seeking Joy

The Buddhist teacher Thích Nhất Hạnh once said, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” In other words, we can choose joy—not to ignore the pain of the world, but to remind ourselves of what is still worth fighting for. Joy reminds us that we are alive, that love still happens, that beauty still surprises us, and that, in the midst of collapse, we are still capable of laughter, wonder, and delight.

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This month practice some intentional joy seeking!  Each day, take a few minutes to pause whatever you are doing. Step outside if you can. Breathe deeply and slowly. Then, simply look around. And ask yourself the following:

• What is beautiful here?

• What brings a smile?

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Let yourself savor it—not rush past it. Let joy settle into your body. And if you can, share that joy. Tell someone what you noticed. Joy multiplies when it’s named. Even in times of collapse, the joy we carry can become someone else’s reminder that all is not lost. In this way, joy becomes not only a gift—but a thread we offer to mend the world.