I spent much of my life chasing joy. I may has well have been trying to juice a stone. It wasn't until I stopped running and sat quietly that I realized joy is inside me and all around me continually. I simply had to allow myself to feel it.
A little over a year ago I was sitting on a sandy beach next to a beautiful blue lake. The day was nice, but the water was cold and I opted to sit and read instead of joining the aquatic activities.
I happened to be reading a book about being more present. The book contained the words, "Your life is real." They hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized that being present was infinitely superior to reading about being present.
I set my book down and stood up. Normally I resist the experience of entering cold water, but this time I decided to embrace it. I went as slowly as I could, savoring the sensory input.
As I got out to shoulder depth, I looked at the sunlight rippling on the water. I saw people playing and boats sailing. I laughed, then cried, then dunked my head under the water. As I broke the surface I also broke the surface of consciousness.
The feeling stayed with me for days. It was a simple experience. No one else even knew I'd had it. But I look back on it as a milestone on my meandering path to joy. It wasn't found through achievement or wealth, as I'd previously believed. I found it simply by embracing everything the moment had to offer.
My moment was by a lake. Yours may be in a car, an office or hospital room or park. It could be while you are doing laundry, mowing the lawn or changing a diaper. It doesn't matter what moment you choose -- any moment will do. Just fully embrace it and feel the wonder of it. Then do it again, and again, and again.
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