December 19 , 2024

In a nutshell… 

  • The dearest way through the dark
  • How to find your joy
  • 188 days of joy

Back in 2016, I had one of those life experiences that can really pull you down.  It included a painful loss as well as new trauma, plus the re-opening of old trauma, wounds and fears. 

Death, divorce, betrayal, a hurricane or earthquake, losing a job suddenly – these are the types of major events that often bring a lot of pain, turmoil and change to us and can be very difficult passages.  Especially if more than one happens at once.

This time I felt barely able to grasp for wisdom, yet through the roar in my head I seemed to hear, “Two things my dear, so listen up: First, drag your bum off the “battlefield” ASAP, placing yourself with people and nature where you can heal.  Do this and then you will be given an important assignment.”  So I went to Hawaii where the ancient land and ancestors always speak to me of peace and balance.  

My first morning under Miracle the Banyan tree in my dear friend’s yard, Wisdom whispered my new assignment. 

“Begin each day with the following question, answer it as best you can: 

What will bring you joy, right now?  
It can be anything.  Do it.  
Then ask the question again, 
answer it and follow through again.”

Wisdom also said: “This is the assignment. Repeat your singular task – to choose joy as best you can – day after day, radically and fiercely.”  

And this is what was promised to me: “In time, joy will slowly begin to fill your heart once again.”

The truth is, I didn’t want to.  I hated the idea.  I had a bad attitude; I didn’t care.  It all was poop, what did it all matter!  I was mad and fussy and stinky and hurting.  I had a big fit and fell over in it a few times.  (note: I’m sometimes a touch dramatic which is fine, since I know it’s all Holy.) 

At first it was excruciatingly hard to do because I was in a lot of pain and fear.  I felt no joy and nothing seemed likely to bring joy.  It all felt so flat.  I sensed an urgency in this though, so I limped into doing what I could.

What joys did I choose?  In the morning I generally chose being outside to hear the birds waking up the world.  A nice steaming cup of something to sip in early morning light.  

I went to the water when possible; I craved living water.

Sometimes I chose to smile at someone, getting a smile back. 

I chose lots of quiet time and writing to you in weekly articles.  

I often tried to sing or play my zither though sometimes I was too sad, but not always. 

I left the future alone. I allowed the past to unwind itself.  I chose joy.  And I took care of the basics, not much else.

Slowly but surely it worked, I came through. I began to know that peace was still there.  Inspiration started coming back too, and my work felt good again.  Energy began to flow in, stronger than before.

I came through, I found my way back to joy and meaning.  

The inner river of joy is lovely and beauteous yet wild and crashing with endless waterfalls, banked by secret gardens.  I discovered this river by choosing joy even when not feeling it.

If you want, choosing joy can start to bust your world wide open, right now, if you begin.  Oh, and by the way, after doing this 188 days, I just stopped counting because I thought, “Why stop?”  Radical Joy is now a wonderful part of my daily practice.

Alas, it’s time to go, I’ve gone on longer than I planned, so goodbye for now.  And love.  Do we have a bigger word than love?  No?  Well LOVE it is then, dearest,

I’m sending you soOO much love,
Mayet

 
 
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