Remembering to Water Seeds of Joy!

Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us to water the seeds of joy in ourselves, especially during times of suffering. He writes, “When you are suffering, look deeply at your situation and find the conditions for joy that are already there, already available. You have eyes that can see, lungs that can breathe, legs that can walk, and lips that can smile.”

Watering the seeds of compassion, comfort and joy are ways of discovering what Julian of Norwich wrote, when she said, “the fullness of joy is to behold God in everything.” Here we find a way to bring moments of sacred wholeness in the midst of brokenness and fragmentation.

This summer I got myself a new bike. Her name is “Luna.” She is giving me great joy as I ride through the park, and along the ocean front. I feel the fresh air, hear the birds chirping, and enjoy the endless blue sky.

We must remember to breathe and live and be joyful, while we are being mindful and cautious and safe.