The Secret to feeling Joy is simple but we have made it very complex

I recently watched a short music video; the singer who produced it shared how hard it had been for her to create music because of her internal conditioning for perfection.

While surrounded by nature and caring people who supported her, helping her overcome her programmed need for perfection, she let that conditioned need for perfection go; as she did this, she could feel her natural internal Joy and her Joy of music.

Due to our learned behaviors, such as the pursuit of perfection or inherited shame, our joy can become diminished or lost if it isn't reinforced, mirrored, or acknowledged. For her, the community and natural environment served as that mirror.

As she shared her Joy via a song, her happiness was infectious. I felt her happiness and too. It lit me up and touched my internal Joy. I caught myself smiling and feeling Joy. A friend who shared the video with me said the same. The more we can acknowledge and feel Joy, the more accessible it becomes.

When I smile, it is contagious; others feel my warmth and smile back, I then feel their smile and warmth. We are mirrors of one another. Our internal state and our emotions are important. They matter to us and the world around us. Maintaining a connection with our hearts, love, and love for the planet is crucial now more than ever.

Have you ever visited a forest, creek, lake, ocean, tree, or park? I encourage you to pause and observe your feelings. The earth is our primary reflection of love, joy, and connection. Allow yourself to experience the love that Grandmother Earth offers you, and simultaneously, return that love, your love, to her, maintaining a relationship with Mother Earth. With my shamanic background, I understand that everything, including our nature relatives, are connected and alive. When you send love to the trees, the flowers, the bees, they recognize it and reciprocate. When you slow down and attune to your heartbeat, remember that it aligns with the rhythmic cycle of the earth's heartbeat. Reconnect with the gift of your birthright, Joy.

When you find yourself entangled in the narrative of doom, gloom, and uncertainty, it's crucial to acknowledge your feelings and remember the power of choice. Fear and uncertainty often stem from the fear of the unknown. But why fear something we don't even know? I consciously bring myself back to the present when I find myself in that space. I focus on what I know and what is current in my life, and in that moment, there is usually no reason for fear. It's intriguing how humans are so adept at worrying and letting that worry overshadow calm, peace, gratitude, and Joy. But remember, we always have the power of choice, one of the many gifts of being human.

In today's world, our state of being and emotions are more important than ever. They significantly impact us, those around us, and the planet. It's vital to explore our inner selves and recognize the power of Joy instead of allowing life's uncertainties to drag us into despair. Self-awareness is essential for understanding our emotions and opting for Joy over despair.

If you are experiencing despair, don't overlook it or push it aside. Instead, look inward and examine your emotions. By doing so, the haze of despair will lift, allowing you to embrace the inherent Joy within you. I urge you to connect with a friend, nature, or me. Keep in mind that we always possess the gift of choice, one of the many blessings of being human. Expressing your emotions can foster a sense of connection and support, making the path to Joy easier to navigate.

How do you experience Joy? I invite you to be open, curious, and play; be your Joy!