Hello Everyone,
This week we read up to pg 125 Tranquility. We talked about our positive qualities and actions and the power of our intentions in determining whether our behaviors are skillful. We also began reading the 7 factors of enlightenment and ended on joy.
So this week's discussion question is simple. How does mindfulness increase your ability to have joy in your life?
For me, I think it's pretty foundational to my living a joyful life, as I was never present before to even experience joy. Now thru the practice of staying awake to the present moment and not living in ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, it is so much easier to recognize, experience, and be grateful for the simple things in life that I never even noticed before as my life was just a morass of addiction and chaos. Now, the shape of the clouds in the sky brings me joy. The way the birds sound all hidden in the last foliage of the fall brings me joy. So many little details that I never paid attention to, including things like the feeling of an empty belly after fasting and right before I eat. The response when an affirmation resonates with someone particularly that day. Joy comes from my ability to recognize it, but it also comes from my disciplined ways of looking for it.
What about for you?
Great meeting. Mindfulness allows me to be present in my life experiences. I am grateful to be mindful when I am enjoying some of my favorite activities. I will work on investigating over analyzing. The Joy of Good Living is my goal. I am grateful for each moment of joy I get to have. Thanks Lori!