"The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun."
~ Jon Krakauer
Here's one of many ways to stir our inner joy. See new things. Encounter new people. Go to places new to you. It doesn't have to be a costly or complicated adventure. Drive
on different local roads. Window shop. Travel dream. Play with a child's toy.
Play. That's a key. Let your inner child have fun, be silly, take your time to look closely at a tiny wildflower, feel the wind on your face, fly a kite, bounce a ball, color, paint, read a picture book, take a bubble bath, dress up, ride on a swing, picnic under a tree, play with puppies
or kittens, or...
How else might you encounter new experiences? I like to go on retreats, beach walk, look for shells and interesting stones, explore museums, visit beautiful gardens, walk through model homes, try new restaurants, visit houses of worship of different faiths, re-arrange furniture...
Let's open our minds and hearts to new perspectives too. Instead of getting angry and frustrated with people who see things differently, let's try to understand one another. "Help me understand your point of view," we can say. This can be challenging. But we will experience a great sense of peace, joy, and hope when we can connect with another in this way and both have an ahha.
Toward greater respect and kindness,
Charlene
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REVERENCE: May you appreciate the wonder that you are and the miracle of all
creation. from The Twelve Gifts of Birth
