happy monday morning to you dears! have you ever imagined being in a place of pure joy? do you know the feeling? almost everywhere i have turned over the weekend had me bumping into people speaking about "joy". kind of a tough topic for me. it seems easy enough in theory. but the application is where i get hung up. i loved what brene brown speaks of in her much loved TED talk (thanks to Stephanie for this link), that joy is often numbed out as we try to numb the pain in our lives. can't numb one and save the other. i have an uncanny knack for doing this. brown speaks much on authenticity and so eloquently describes it here:
"mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, joy, and gratitude into our lives." (emphasis mine)
we have the power to invite joy in. so i ask you my friends, how do invite joy? (especially in the midst of a bleak midwinter) ? i found joy in these images today from friends on flickr ... combing through my faves in the gathering spriggs flickr group. have you browsed through the beauties in this group lately. you might just discover some inspiration and JOY!
images: travelling mama, lisa solomn, havin fun with photos, holly becker: haus maus, city of blackbirds
These beautiful images definitely brought joy into my Monday morning. Thrilled to find your blog - I'm your newest follower!
Posted by: designchic | January 24, 2011 at 07:38 AM
One of the most amazing accounts of deep lasting joy that I've heard was the story behind the song "It Is Well With My Soul". http://tiny.cc/hxyie Many times when I've been feeling sorry for myself I've thought back to this story and it allowed me to focus on all the things I have to be thankful for in my life.
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 24, 2011 at 12:33 PM
I have goosebumps...I love this post. And that bouquet with the rannaculus (sp?), muscari and other teensy flowers is a pure manifestation of joy for me. It made me grin. Thank you for reminding us that joy, peace, and gratitude can be ushered in even through hard times. We just have to be MINDFUL about it. I am choosing to find the JOY in the 1/2 box of crushed sugar cereal on my kitchen floor right now. 'Cause it wouldn't be there if these precious joyful babies of mine weren't here.
Posted by: Ginny | January 24, 2011 at 12:35 PM
I found a lot of joy on my skiing trip last week; sniffing up the crisp air, feeling the sun on my skin, listening to the wind while gliding and enjoying the company of family. And most of all; doing something completely different than the daily routine, just thinking about the next curve and the route to the next lift. Being in the moment. And then returning home and reading all the blogposts of that week on my blogger dashboard.... now that was joy as well!
Posted by: Iris | January 24, 2011 at 01:11 PM
I am reading this book right now that is called The gift of an ordinary day and it is well worth reading. Reminds me that the joy is in the small details and the smile from a stranger. Thanks for being an inspiration and for posting my photo.
Posted by: Monica | January 24, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Such lovely images and such a thought provoking TED talk! Thanks for sharing this.
I find joy in those moments when I realize I am loved even (and especially) while I'm known deeply, full disclosure of flaws galore but also offering what beauty I have to share...And I find joy when others trust me enough with the truth of their own beauty and frailty.
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 24, 2011 at 03:07 PM
First, thank you so, so much for including my image. I am so honored and you made my day! I invite joy into my life by maintaining a spirit of gratitude. It can slip away so easily, but after traveling the world I have seen people in true need and I find myself thankful for the simplest things such as shoes on my feet, a hat to wear in the cold, and food to eat... and a loving family to share it all with!
Posted by: Traveling Mama | January 25, 2011 at 06:02 AM
Beautiful post Heather, and I'm chuffed you used my little teacup! I'm delighted to have met you on Twitter too, your blog is a beautiful space :)
I think I find joy in a similar way to you - by browsing through the blogs and photos of the talented peope I have been fortunate enough to come across online. It is always inspirational and makes me very happy!
Posted by: Eadaoin | January 25, 2011 at 10:30 AM
I am a mastering at numbing the pain and I really have to work hard at finding joy, but I'm getting better at it. I find joy when I am present. When I am really experiencing what is before me. In that moment of clarity the numbness dissipates.
Posted by: Stephanie Ryan | January 25, 2011 at 11:48 PM