Valentine

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

As part of my meditation practice, I’m strengthening my ability to experience joy and happiness. It can be easy for me to lapse into cataloging things that are wrong in my life and in the world at large. From the book Peace Is Every Step, Thich Naht Hanh flips the script to encourage me to ask What’s not wrong? Learning this habit reveals a multitude of what’s right in my world: from my family and friends, to my heart and lungs, furry pals and garden. All bring my mind to a state of wonder, happiness and joy.

I am not suggesting being blithely unaware of sorrow. Instead, strengthening my capacity to recognize joy and happiness will help me to navigate all of what the world serves up. From Hanh:

Awareness of the precious elements of happiness is itself the practice of right mindfulness.

Pairing this thought process with breathing helps strengthen the habit.

Breathing in, I feel joy. | Breathing out, I know joy is there.

Breathing in, I feel happy. | Breathing out, I know happiness is there.

To put a face to my practice, I often conjure up Bun, the essence of joy for me.

My wish is that all readers find a slice of joy and happiness this Valentine’s Day and every day.