15 Sep joy to the world

In her work on shame, Brene Brown talks about the concept of “foreboding joy” and how joy is one of the most difficult and vulnerable emotions we face. When I first heard her talk about the subject, she used an example of a parent standing over the crib looking at his child in wonderment and then having a vision of something tragic happening. I knew exactly what she meant – I had that exact same experience when my daughter was a baby.  More times that I would actually like to admit.

This week is the first time in quite a long while where I have experienced joy on a consistent basis. I spent quality time with my daughter and she somehow managed to get on stage with one of her favorite artists (again!) at a concert. I conducted a sublime workshop at the Jung Center with incredibly creative individuals. I went to see my favorite band on Saturday night with one of my favorite people. I did my first coaching session with an awesome Canadian from my mindfulness coaching class. And, to cap it all off, I went to a rooftop yoga charity session last night that was utterly sublime. The weather was perfect, the people were quality and the Universe blessed us with a beautiful rainbow.

Yet, I couldn’t help but think throughout the week the joy would be fleeting. Fortunately, the theme for the first week of the 40 Days was “presence.” I also heard Brene Brown whispering into my ear (yes, I hear voices…) the mantra of many social workers and other helping professionals… “lean into the discomfort.”  So, I did.  I did my best forward fold right into the mess.  I found that when accepted my worthiness, the foreboding feeling dissipated and I was able to treasure the gift of joy.  And, I have to say, the authentic and magical life I am creating is pretty damn awesome.

So, my message to you is you have the power to take your life by the horns and give it your best.  In fact, I would go as far as to say you not only have the power, but you have the obligation to do so.  You owe it to yourself and to the rest of up to be your best self.  Namaste.