This week in class, we had the chance to write about our own sources of joy and think about how we express joy and help others to express joy. The answers were varied and interesting. We noticed that helping others express their joy uses a different set of skills than simple self-expression. Both require courage and energy. One person felt joy when another person encouraged her to make a list of reasons to be happy. Another felt joy when someone showed awareness, noticing her and responding to her individuality. One person felt joy when a friend went out of her way to share good news. Many of us feel happy when our emotions are validated, when someone shows appreciation to us, or when we feel listened to.
Activity:
Use the five types of intimacy as a framework for brainstorming ways to express joy.
Physical: smile, hug someone, dance, sing
Intellectual: talk about why you are happy, write a note to a friend
Social: invite someone to share a happy moment
Emotional: share joyful feelings, emote
Spiritual: be uplifted (nature, excellence, etc.), gratitude
Make a personal list – how do you express joy? How do you help others to express their joy?
Take Home:
Choose items from your list of how you express joy and help others express joy to practice this week.
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