I try to observe and smile at every person in a stroller and any small people near them (usually sibs). Oh and parents. I literally pivot to see that baby. Life has been sweeter since I started this.
Thanks for this, Magdalena - liking the idea of a 60-second protocol. As you say, no chasing illusory, collective-noun concepts, the equivalent of trying to feel full without eating any food.
All springs from noticing. Whatever path to joy unfolds for us, from guru-inspired mythical secrets to the deepest psychotherapy and mindfulness, none will release you from your joy-exhaustion without noticing. Paradoxically, noticing is effortless yet so energising.
I notice my tea is getting cold. Which means it's not cold yet. So I'll stop here and drink it.
It makes sense to me that, as evolution has equipped us with a fight-flight-freeze response as a survival mechanism, we’ve also acquired a capacity for noticing as a counterweight that leads at a minimum to release and at its height to joy. Otherwise, we’d probably be drowning in adrenaline.
Thank you for these wonderful simple tips. Noticing works at a very low amplitude. It doesn’t demand any kind of grand gesture or even consistency.
I try to observe and smile at every person in a stroller and any small people near them (usually sibs). Oh and parents. I literally pivot to see that baby. Life has been sweeter since I started this.
What a beautiful idea to bring joy into your own life and share joy with strangers!
It all starts with noticing.
Thanks for this, Magdalena - liking the idea of a 60-second protocol. As you say, no chasing illusory, collective-noun concepts, the equivalent of trying to feel full without eating any food.
All springs from noticing. Whatever path to joy unfolds for us, from guru-inspired mythical secrets to the deepest psychotherapy and mindfulness, none will release you from your joy-exhaustion without noticing. Paradoxically, noticing is effortless yet so energising.
I notice my tea is getting cold. Which means it's not cold yet. So I'll stop here and drink it.
Dear Matthew: it fills my heart to read your note! And also knowing that you are a tea drinker! Noticing is so simple and yet so difficult!
It makes sense to me that, as evolution has equipped us with a fight-flight-freeze response as a survival mechanism, we’ve also acquired a capacity for noticing as a counterweight that leads at a minimum to release and at its height to joy. Otherwise, we’d probably be drowning in adrenaline.
Thank you for these wonderful simple tips. Noticing works at a very low amplitude. It doesn’t demand any kind of grand gesture or even consistency.
Powerful words and observations, Sue!