“OK, wait, what are 3 things that brought you joy today?” This was my friend’s impromptu question at the end of one our luminous conversations. We live far apart and periodically have lengthy phone calls to stay connected and to track the happenings in each other’s lives. It was time to wrap up, we’d been on the phone for more than an hour, but had inadvertently circled back to the topic of politics – not the energy we wanted at the end of our call!
It was my friend’s simple question that pulled us out of that spiral, redirecting us to a place of connection, support, and presence. I quickly saw how this could be a daily practice, to tune my mind/my senses back to goodness.
The truth is, over the last few months, sometimes I struggle with this simple idea. I know there are moments of beauty and joy sprinkled throughout each day. I know that I will see what I am looking for, that my attention is my choice, but some days?? It’s just hard to get out of the noise.
This is not an easy time for many of us. The current turbulence in the world leaves few of us untouched. This simple exercise is a powerful reminder to stay open, to pause, to notice. It invites us to live breath by breath, on the lookout for moments of joy. It feels different than gratitude—a little less about credit outside of ourselves, and a little more about buoyancy, radiance, savoring. It recognizes that each day can be complicated, that maybe a totally optimistic joyful day is a lot to ask sometimes, but moments? Surely there are moments that bring us joy over the course of a day.
So here’s my Wild dare, as much for my own accountability as yours…try it. Name 3 things that bring you joy over the course of your day. (I did have to make a ‘rule’ for myself that I couldn’t just list my dog every day…or that I had to up it to 4 things.) I’m going to try to make this a regular thing. I suspect it gets easier over time. And I hope that it keeps me more easily tuned to who and how I want to be in the world. I have already sensed more energy, more positivity. Join me?
