Life doesn’t always reflect our heart’s desire. In those moments of falling short, it is difficult to feel joy much less be an artisan of joy. Maybe all we can focus on is the uncertainty of the world and our imperfections. How can we shift from being caught in the scariness of life to being joy in an uncertain world? That is the topic of my March program: Being an Artisan of Joy.
Begin with a change of perspective. This shift, while not easy or simple, is the precursor to turning feelings of disappointment and despair into moments of gratitude and joy. Changing our perspective requires mindfully attending to the moment while being in touch with the feeling, the memory — whatever is a barrier that prevents us from connecting to our flow of joy. So, how do we do this?
Pema Chödrön, a true wisdom keeper, recommends that you not run from either your trigger or your reaction. In fact, she suggests that you stop and immerse yourself, for three minutes, in whatever is triggering your reaction. Really experience without judgment, attachment, or defensiveness what is occurring. Note: this is harder that it looks. You may have to go through several three-minute cycles until you get to a place of objectivity.
She suggests one further step. After you have experienced the trigger, reaction, and subsequent fallout, do not let yourself fall into despair. In fact, Pema says not to take yourself too seriously. Laugh at yourself, laugh at how you got caught in your trigger, laugh at your imperfections. Through your laughter you not only befriend your imperfections; you also find a way through them.
Please note: the laughter in no way diminishes the seriousness of your imperfections. It is a reset; movement into an objective stance, an understanding of the roots of your reactions, and a shift from reactionary behavior to response.
Laughter is the voice of self-compassion. As it propels you from the gloom, you gain a new perspective. To paraphrase Pema, your laughter welcomes the unwelcome into your life as a teacher. In opening yourself to your imperfections, you learn the lesson. Joy is a byproduct of this learning.
We can all be artisans of joy in our life. It requires a change of perspective, a willingness to balance taking our self seriously with laughing at our imperfections, and the intent to live joyously through lessons learned.
Vanessa F. Hurst, ms, is an Intuitive, Coach, Catalyst, who uses mindfulness practices and intuition tools to create strategies for personal and relationship transformation. She is a professional speaker & author who weaves inner wisdom into all she touches. Her books are available @ www.wildefyrpress.com. Contact Vanessa (vanessa@intentandaction.com) for life coaching, intuitive consultations, keynotes, and programs.
Twitter: @fyrserpent / ©2020
