Benedicamus Domino!
So, you may be asking, how exactly is this journey toward joy of mine to begin? I have contemplated this for some time, and have come up with several resolutions which I am currently trying to put into action. Here they are.
Journey Toward Joy
Method: This journey toward joywill be cyclical. It will not have any specific time-limit, but it will be ongoing.
Materials needed: computer for blogging, exercise equipment, books to read, ideas for writing, musical instruments and ways to use them successfully, friends, family and anything else which may come up in the process.
Hypothesis: I can live joyfully if I choose to do so. If I do things which bring my deep self joy, I will be able to calm all the little desires of my more superficial ego
Resolutions: Nine resolutions, each with three aspects.
1. Become more energetic.
A. Body: go to bed earlier and at a regular time and wake up earlier and at a regular time. Exercise and eat better.
B. Mind: Watch less TV, preferably no more than an hour or so a day. Read when possible and write as much as possible.
Spirit: Pray regularly and observe the calendar of the church as to season, fast or feast, and any other thing that must be observed. Also, enjoy the natural world as much as possible.
2. Cultivate relationships.
A. Body: Don't be afraid of the phone and make efforts to visit people more often.
B. Mind: Think of people on their birthdays and other special days and remember to talk to them on those days.
C. Pray for individuals by name and also listen to them when they speak, because they can be teachers.
3. Develop talents of writing and music.
A. Body: Make time in the day to play music and to write stories and/or poetry. Perhaps find a writing course or a writing group to be a part of. Also play music in public and market the cd more.
B. Mind: Think of yourself as a writer and a musician. Learn to be these things in earnest and if this means doing these things professionally, then find ways to make it happen.
C. Spirit: Stop feeling guilty that you have the talents that you have. Let them exist and grow as they will, while all the while thanking God that you have them in the first place. Also, pay it forward. If you learn things about music and/or writing that will help other people, pass them on.
4. Become more passionate about life. Don't procrastinate or deny yourself joy just because you think others will think you weird or odd.
A. Body: Don't let aches and pains hold you down. Learn to listen to what your body needs and follow its advice.
B. Mind: Don't second-guess yourself too much. A healthy dose of skepticism is good, but not when it becomes a barrier to trying new things or doing what you love.
C. Spirit: Pray about the things you want to do with your life. Pray with boldness and humility, always asking God that "Thy will be done" in all things.
5. Live in a more mindful way. Live in the moment.
A. Body: Remember that you live in this body and that it is the place from which you interact with the world. Treat it with respect and dignity and use it to reflect your inner self.
B. Mind: Think about your blessings more than about your woes. Be grateful whenever possible and remember that life only sucks if you say it does. Even if bad things come, let them come and deal with them, but don't let them colour the rest of your life.
C. Spirit: Thank God every time you wake up in the morning and every time you go to bed at night. Thank Him for everything, because everything is a lesson and a blessing, even if it comes in the disguise of a misfortune. Own your emotions but don't let them own you. Never go to bed angry!
6. Learn to let go.
A. Body: Learn to let go of cravings, addictions and other things which hold you down, but don't deprive yourself too much. Also, de-clutter your life and get rid of unused and unnecessary stuff.
B. Mind: Learn to let go of the past and negative attitudes about yourself. Embrace change.
C. Spirit: Learn to forgive those whom you must forgive and don't hold grudges.
7. Lead a more ordered life.
A. Body: Take care of your body as though it were something sacred, because it is. Also, let it live in a peace-promoting and ordered environment.
B. Mind: Calm your thoughts and try to let them flow in a more ordered way. This isn't about logic so much as it is about calmness.
C. Spirit: Don't neglect your spiritual joy. Order your day to promote this.
8. Make every day an adventure.
A. Body: Get directly out of bed when the alarm goes off in the morning. Arm yourself as though you were going on a quest. Each day is a new adventure, so act like it.
B. Mind: Think of your day in terms of things you get to do rather than things you have to do. Even if they are have-tos, think of them in a more adventurous way.
C. Spirit: Don't be afraid to dream a little. Think of new and exciting things around every corner.
9. Be moderate in all things.
A. Body: Remember that too much of anything can be as bad as too little. Make sure your body doesn't betray you. Treat money in a more mindful and moderate way.
B. Mind: Remember that the middle way is the best. Never let passions trump responsibilities, and never let responsibilities deaden passions. Manage time appropriately.
C. Spirit: Never forget God in all this self-exploration. Never think yourself on firm footing. Always be journeying towards holiness and remember that falling and getting up again is a part of life.
Deo Gratias!
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