Joy

"In the middle of the journey of our life I found myself within a dark woods where the straight way was lost." --Dante Alighieri

I'm still reading Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser. In her book, she talks about a woman who emerges from these woods... with nothing left to lose. And, in that dark place she discovered qualities she forgot she had, retrieved her soul, reinvented herself...it was as if she was born a second time. This is how I feel.

Most times I feel completely alone, even though though I'm surrounded by supportive and loving friends and a God who I know loves me regardless of my actions. Actually, I've never been more at peace with my life, and it's direction. Yep, it's scary and, I have no idea what I'm doing most of the time. It feels entirely selfish to focus on myself-- but I've got a joy- not happiness. A real joy that I have not felt in a very long time. And that joy is not coming from another person or outward circumstances. I don't know what will happen in the months to come. But I do know, whatever I do, I will make the right choice. (http://graceyoga-live-move-breathe.blogspot.com/2009/09/choices.html)

I've been sharing with my classes this week about joy. Trying to find joy in pose or in the moment... "Joy is inside you. Not in attainment of things desired, nor in the achievement of goals made. But in the simple feeling that lies within you. Know that this joy is unaffected by outer circumstance, and joy will be yours forever."

I love that no one or no one thing can take your joy from you. It's yours to cultivate and yours to keep.

Joy.

Mel