Lifting Spirits for Others

"There are souls in this world who have the gift of of finding joy

everywhere, and leaving it behind them when they go."

Frederick William Faber

Valentine's Day is coming, and let us find delight by creating the joy of giving. Gather what is needed to make anonymous treats for friends, neighbors and random strangers. Brown lunch bags adorned with a heart are perfect for a wide varieties of surprises. Drop a few tea lights and a favorite poem, bake cookies or pass on a favorite keepsake.

Maybe we can drop in on a neighbor offering to run them to the store, mail a package or watch the squalling siblings. Bring a favorite mug and tea to a friend's home, leaving the mug behind. There are numerous ways in which we can give that will lift the spirits of others at no cost to ourselves.

Even if we are experiencing the need to be isolated, there are still options. Dig out a favorite book and inscribe who should eventually be the owner. Make a collage out of cards that have been kept. Grab colored pens and doodle flagrantly. Choose a meditation and send the unleashed joy to loved ones. Which will you do?

 

Joy Givers Dropping In and Out

"There are souls in this world who have the gift of finding

joy everywhere, and leaving it behind them when they go."

Frederick William Faber

The first time I experienced joy was in high school. It was a bubbly golden substance which began percolating in between my breasts and shot straight up penetrating every cell in my body.  It spiraled up through my head and turned into an umbrella shape drizzling sparkling tiny stars of joy.  

In my repertoire of emotions, few times have come close to this original experience.  The joy had nothing to do with me in particular, but I was close enough to be an integral part of a dear friend's experience.

There are those in our world that are simply made of pure joy.  They seem to float in and out of scenarios leaving a sense of golden prize.  Joy is their gift to be strewn amongst the unsuspecting, lingering just long enough to see the golden dust spreading across the intimate space.  I clearly am not that person, but I give praise and thanksgiving to all of the joy givers dropping in and out of my life.