Archives for January 2020

Good afternoon my fellow Joy seekers… As I savor the last few days of vacation prior to starting a busy  Spring semester at school I am ever reminded of the importance of the need to be mindful and fully experience that joy that is our life and world.  Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist Monk, and peace activist, eloquently describes how even everyday activities must be celebrated and cherished each day in this simple example— 

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

From: Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life

I hope each of you is well and looking forward to 2020! I started my year reflecting with a book Paula Koppel gifted me, Every Day Gratitude (Storey). I am taking this moment to express my gratitude to Paula for the book and to each of you for the community and joy we have shared over 2019. Let 2020 commence full of joy in our practice.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

William Arthur Ward

Grateful End-of-Day (exercise)

Each night before you go to sleep, inventory some of the things for which you are grateful. Let these things float through your mind and calm your body. Write down at least three things that matter to you. Fall asleep gratefully.

Carolyn