Finding Joy & Wonder in Spring

The other day, a good friend came over, and we got to see my new puppy Chloe play with flowers. Some of the words that describe her are surprise, playfulness, energy and everything is new! This gave us such joy.

Usually, joy is understood as a positive feeling that makes us smile and laugh. In the scientific literature joy is related to movement. Scientists have monitored this “sense” of jumping up and down associated with joy. Joy involves the whole body. You sense. You feel. You perceive.

Spring can be a time of joy and wonder. The physical world can be a powerful resource for us to make a happier and healthier life. There is a relationship between this mysterious physical world and our emotions.

Queen of joy, and researcher Ingrid Fetell Lee, lists some of the common things that bring us joy: bubbles, treehouses, cherry blossoms, even ice cream cones (especially the ones with the sprinkles). And of course, my mother’s favorite, rainbows.

One of the beauties of joy & wonder is that it affects us across gender, age and ethnicity. Joy is universal! Let’s take this opportunity of Spring to find a new daily practice. The practice of noticing joy and wonder.

When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.
-Rumi

Many Spring Blessings,
Liza