A Look at JOY!
On a recent Goddess Talk, we wanted to inquire into the expectations of joy, especially during the Holiday Season. Joy often seems elusive. It shows up at the oddest moments AND then doesn’t show up in the moments we think we should be experiencing joy.
We began by watching a video clip of Dr. Brené Brown discussing joy with Oprah on Super Soul Sunday. Joy is a big part of Brené's extensive research.
So many people seek joy, but Brené says it is by far the most terrifying feeling we face! This was a shocking notion to say the least.
The conversation really opened up the notion of why we often limit or even reject the experience of joy. It may come with the immediate fear that something bad will happen next. We don’t want to deal with possibly losing the joy, so we limit our experience of JOY! Crazy right?!!
One of the main points was… when we lose our tolerance for vulnerability, joy becomes foreboding.
In her research, Brené also discovered that no matter how much you try to beat vulnerability to the punch, you cannot. No amount of preparation for devastation (such as limiting our joy) will make a difference when the moment of loss or tragedy happens.
What can we do to experience true joy in our lives?
Practice gratitude… gratitude for all the little things that are everywhere, not just the extraordinary ones.
Be vulnerable… be open to experience the joy, knowing full well it won’t last forever.
Many of us on the Goddess Talk agreed we didn’t really like that last one. Being vulnerable doesn’t sound like a good idea. But turns out, to experience joy, being vulnerable to possibly losing that joy is key!
We invite you to watch the video (6m) and see what comes up for you and your willingness to experience joy.
