Lean into the Quality of Joy

“Have the will to be happy and live in joy.”

- Ernest Holmes

____________________________________________________

Twenty-two years ago as a first-year elementary school Physical Education teacher, I felt I had been let out of middle school and high school after 13 years for good behavior. There was a tremendous shift from “do we have to run today to “do we get to.” Joy is a major perk in teaching at the elementary level. Most of my students were in a constant state of joy or at least it seemed that way to me.

The related arts teachers were a really close group. We often hung out with each other and supported each other on various projects. One day I walked into the art room and found about 60 sheets of paper with the latest kindergarten creations spread across tables and counters drying. I was immediately drawn to this painting. It was a mixed medium piece with watercolor and acrylic, with various shapes made with sponges. I fell in love with it immediately and tried my best to convince the Art teacher to give me the painting. She then state she did not know why I liked it so much because Jasmine was not following directions when she created it. I said well, that makes me love it even more!

One day the teacher handed me a laminated copy of it and I was thrilled to have it. It did not matter what kind of mood I was in it brought me joy every time I looked at it. And on the last day of school. Jasmine’s classroom teacher found me in the art room door and handed me Jasmine’s painting saying Jasmine wanted me to have it. I was over the moon happy!

That summer, I was experiencing writer’s block. My girlfriend’s daughter, at the wise age of 6 said to me, Ms. Deb since you love Jasmine's painting so much, why don’t you write a song about it. I thought “Out of the mouths of babes.” And so Jasmine’s colors were brought forth. I played and sang it for Jasmine during the first week of school in front of her class, telling her that it did not matter what kind of mood I was in her painting lit me up like a Christmas tree and how much I had learned from her.

‘The source of joy is deep inside, counting blessings in our lives. Jasmine’s colors are all about living life from the inside out. Jasmine’s colors are blue and green, with shades of purple and bright sunbeams. She won’t take direction from anyone because painting is supposed to be fun.” Joy is everywhere! I look for it, I pay attention, and I am grateful.

Twenty-one years later this song is still bringing healing and joy to everyone I play it for.

 I lost my pit bull Georgia recently and while my heart is breaking I have to laugh out loud at the memories and adventures we shared and I get to experienced joy in the midst of great sorrow.

Affirmation

I willingly cultivate joy in my life by paying attention to the experiences within me and around me. I find joy in appreciation and service. I lean into joy on purpose even in the midst of challenging times in life by remembering the truth and expressing gratitude through it all.

 - Debora Varn