Permission to feel joy

What’s been bubbling up for me in the past couple of weeks is the notion that while so much shit is going on in the world, and especially as we watch (or experience!) cruelty at the hands of out-of-control, ahem, fascists; while we may be in the midst of profound grief for the recent loss of a loved one; and, while we may be giving love and nurturing others who are in dire or ongoing need, we must, we must allow ourselves permission to feel joy. 

Realizing this notion isn’t new, this permission stuff, and if we consider the notion as stated somewhat reasonable, then perhaps you’ll understand me when I explain:

Both deep, despairing grief and the ecstatic enjoyment of beauty can coincide within us. In fact, if we can strive to allow both to be present simultaneously within ourselves, we have a magical combination for active healing in the moment.

While we feel rage, despair, horror, or the debilitating sense of loss in our grief, we can ALSO soften to identify those things that appear to us which warm our hearts: whether tiny moments of love shared, circumstances for a beautiful connection, a release of intertwined energy, or merely the sight or thought of a beautiful thing, human, or vista. 

If we give ourselves permission to allow joy and beauty to coincide within us as we move through the darker and more difficult side of life, we will be less likely to “project” our sorrow or despair or rage towards others. Instead, with joy also in our hearts, we can bring to ourselves — and to others around us — a sense of deep love and healing.

So saying, I give you permission to feel Joy. No matter what.

❤️