I’ve mentioned Holstee on here before, but I’m not sure if I have mentioned the associated app (Reflection.app). I use it every night as a kind of “download” of the day. They have prompts – quotes, which of course I love – and allow you to tag entries with things like “Highlight”, and other tags you create.
Anyway, I don’t use the prompts often, but yesterday’s really spoke to me:
Joy in the universe, and keen curiosity about it all – that has been my religion. – John Burroughs
This reminded me of the wonderful word from A Swiftly Tilting Planet (one of my absolute favorites of all time), Ananda, that joy without which the universe will fall apart and collapse.
While the prompt spoke to me – because I do not ascribe to any kind of organized religion – it prompted more deep thinking at bedtime than I probably needed. The key question, for me, is what “joy in the universe” means in my life. How do I show that I find joy in the universe? I don’t think that can be answered in the 24 seconds that I am able to stay awake once I get in bed, but it’s something that I need to ponder, and consider, and explore.
I know, deep thoughts for a Tuesday morning. But I’m curious, of course. What brings you joy? How do you find joy, in the world, the universe, your life…? What lifts your heart and your soul and your mind? If you don’t mind sharing, I’d love to know.
Happy Tuesday everyone. For those NaBloPoMo-ing, you’re almost halfway there!
I am so repetitive on these here interwebz, but having a dog is just amazing. I get to go outside (for a reason!) and just see the world through the eyes, ears, and nose of this curious creature who also happens to think I AM THE BEST PERSON EVER. I am NOT the best person ever, but I want to live up to her expectations of me. So, a dog brings me joy. Taking her outside makes me giddy. Teaching her new things makes me feel like there is true meaning in my life. (I also have a cat and a husband. They bring me joy in an entirely different way.)
You know I love this – and I completely agree. Dogs and cats and partners/spouses bring so much joy to peoples’ lives. There’s something about seeing with new eyes, I think, that sparks joy. Rather than seeing – or not seeing – things that are “always there”, I am trying to think of how I can approach the world differently, and be open to seeing the same old things in new ways. I’m not sure that makes sense, but it’s early and I am not yet sufficiently caffeinated…
I’ve never been able to find a “fit” with any organized religion and not for lack of trying. Your quote really spoke to me so thanks for posting it!
I was hoping that would speak to some people! I don’t mean it as a slight against organized religion, but.. since that doesn’t fit with who I am right now, I am seeking inspiration from other sources. Reading widely is one of the ways I try to do that.
My faith is the biggest source of joy and hope for me.
More practically: warm cozy blankets, date nights with my husband, writing/blogging, coffee, friends, travelling and taking pictures, sleep, a good book.
Elisabeth, I have to admit that the strength of your faith makes me envious at times. It so clearly is the source of your joy and strength. I wish that I had a similar guiding light in my life, to be honest…
I love this. I am also not religious, but I believe in good people and they are a source of joy for me. I have found them here in the blogosphere and in my Peloton community and they lift my spirits every day. On days when the world seems like a giant dumpster fire, I remind myself: I know GOOD people.
Oh, I love this, San. You are such a people connector – I don’t know if you’re a “people person”, but you so clearly love being connected to others and (to our benefit) connecting other people! I have been so grateful for the blogging community this week although I am terribly behind on NaBloPoMo. I hope to catch up this weekend…
Pets bring me the most joy. My cats, my mom’s dogs, funny Reels about animals… all of it brings me such joy! Other things that bring me joy: writing, connecting with friends, and the holiday season. 😉
Stephany, you are such a joy-finder, and you SHARE that joy. It makes it so wonderful for those of us who follow you on IG and your blog. 🙂