By Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis
Got Joy?
I know — you’re thinking, “What?”
I can’t even begin to put to paper the horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach as we watch the assault on our democracy and on the world, an assault launched by our sitting president and his leadership team. Yes, it is Project 2025, and yes, it is more than that.
It is outrageous, and I hope each one of us will do what we can — where we can and whenever we can — to comfort those who hurt and to wrap our arms around the vulnerable. And put this number on speed dial! Call Congress and share what you are feeling, witnessing and hoping at 202-224-3121.
In a talk with one of my colleagues today, Rev. Natalie Renee Perkins, I was reminded of the ways the simple things in our lives can provide us with sustenance and joy even in these hot mess times. Walking her dog — Treble Clef Perkins — in the cold and slushy wetness, breathing deeply and filling her lungs with cold air, and a little rain on her nose made her feel joyful to be alive on the planet. The journey of life matters, she said, not just the destination, and she has made a beautiful life for herself.
Hearing her joy — a spontaneous sharing in a quick phone call — I found myself recounting my own joy. Listening to music to put myself to sleep last night, delighting in the jazz and show tunes that made me want to make a living on Broadway (no, I did not get to do that); excitement at getting back to my husband today after a few days apart; the memory of our romping around with grandchildren last weekend. I am furious about the state of our union. And yet, my communities, my friendships, my beloveds, and my work bring me so much joy. We need that joy, love, to make it through. We could feel guilty about the joy, or we could welcome it when it comes and hold onto the taste and texture of it. We can curate the ways it shows up so we can access it more often.
In my book, “Fierce Love,” I wrote a chapter on joy. Chapter eight in this book of nine spiritual practices of fierce love is “Find Joy Purposefully. It is the Water of Life.” I was inspired by the poet Rumi, who wrote, “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”
I write: “The world can be a hard place, and our problems can feel daunting. It’s often impossible to laugh or smile with so much horror in the news. But identifying and amplifying things that give you joy will sustain you during the times you’re weighed down by life’s injustices — those aimed at you or at others. Joy is fuel for fierce love.”
Rev. Natalie’s staff meets on Thursdays to look over the week. What is feeding you, they ask? What are you hungry for? I love that audit, that scan of emotional content. I wonder if you and I could do a daily scan. What gave me joy today? If the answer is nothing, that’s just what it is. But if there is something there — by being mindful of it, we appreciate it and know how to source joy more fully next time.
I was at dinner this week with a friend. I like this restaurant because it is close to our WeWork office and because the food is delicious. There was a special — three scallops on roasted potatoes with a little something green and a sweet chili sauce. Oh. My. GOODNESS! Every taste made me thank God for scallops and for chefs and for taste buds and for a friend who loves me enough to listen to me ooh and aah like a child with a lollipop. The conversation was joy, the connection was joy, the longevity of our friendship — the things we know about each other — was joy, and did I mention the scallops were simply divine?
What is it for you, love? Biting into a grape and following that with a piece of sharp cheddar cheese? Watching your children play? Playing with your adult friends on the dance floor? Is it sitting in a bathtub soaking, or walking in the cold and loving how your body moves. Is it doing work on any number of the tough issues we are facing and feeling the satisfaction of making a difference?
Don’t get stuck on happiness versus joy. Feel into what I mean by joy. That feeling of freedom, of bounce-back, of contentment, of wonder. Joy is a reservoir of goodness that makes you rock back and forth and hug yourself. It makes you tilt your head back in a full-throated laugh of just hum. Sometimes it’s just peace way deep down in your belly. Mother Teresa said joy is strength.
Whatever is your joy…get some. Pay attention to the source and visit it often; you need it, and you deserve it! Why? Because you are awesome and wonderful, made in the image of the Holy. That’s why!This article was originally published by New York Amsterdam News.
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