Discovering Joy Internally

Times are difficult globally; awakening is no longer a luxury or ideal. It’s becoming critical. We don’t need to add more depression, more discouragement, or more anger to what’s already here. It’s becoming essential that we learn how to relate sanely with difficult times. The earth seems to be beseeching us to connect with joy and discover our innermost essence. This is the best way that we can benefit others.

There is too much pain in our society. From those who can’t catch a break, to those of us that self-sabotage, we all need relief. We need peace of mind. We need to know our worth. To find out worthiness, we must take inventory of joy outside of materialism, comparison, and tribalism. Although objectively this makes perfect sense, in practice we are bogged down in living in the false ideals of someone we don’t even know.

Social media culture saddens me. Although I use it as a tool for expression, a diary of my thoughts, fears, and triumphs, it can taint our view of the world. From mindless scrolling for things we don’t need, riffing off of political falsehoods, and idolizing photoshopped beauty, I know we are better than that.

We are better than giving into addiction. Masking the pain is simply slowing the inevitable. We need to live in our minds and bodies by recognizing the beauty of what we already have. I’m not saying it’s easy, I’m saying that it’s worth it. I have found that by spending time in nature to replenish my soul. I have discovered that life is what’s between the eyes, not the pretty image on @instagram. I have found that we already have what we need, as long as we take inventory of our blessings.

So, what are you doing to connect with discovering true joy. Have you begun a mindfulness practice? Will you ford the river of discomfort to awaken to abundant joy? Well, I can’t promise I’m there yet, but I’m trying.