Opening to Joy

“Every day, I see or hear something that more or less kills me with delight, that leaves me like a needle in the haystack of light.Reid Cards
It was what I was born for – to look, to listen, to lose myself inside this soft world – to instruct myself over and over in joy and acclamation.” 
-Mary Oliver

I have been delighted to spend this fall outside with our RE classes. It is wonderful to see each other in person, to collaborate, to share laughter and insights, and to witness our progress as we add to a mural about the interdependent web of life each week (here we are at work in this picture). I look forward to more opportunities to connect and share joy both in person and on Zoom in December as we focus on the theme Opening to Joy.

When 19 people in the congregation, from a baby through adults of all ages, assembled to rake leaves for others in November, it felt like we were opening to joy together. It was astounding to see how much we could accomplish in a short time -- and how enjoyable it is to do yard work with others! 

How do you Open to Joy? As a family, how can you support each other in noticing and experiencing joy? Set an intention for the month to cultivate joy together. Here are some ideas: over dinner, share about a joyful moment from the day. Make it a point to take photos of joy over the course of the month. At the end of the month, put all of the photos together and reflect on the experience of seeking out images of joy.

Our Winter care package contains activities, crafts, mindfulness, music and stories about this theme. Here are some questions and prompts about Opening to Joy: What brings you joy? What does joy feel like? Who helps you to feel joy? How do you bring joy to others? Share a favorite joke. What is the relationship between joy and sadness?  Create a joy project together!