JOY

It’s so easy these days to fall into despair as the media reports “bad news” from around the globe. As the European media focuses on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, let us spare a thought for those who are suffering. There is suffering everywhere.. there are wars happening around the world and we have our own personal, inner wars. If we look deeply enough, though, we can see that wherever there is suffering it is also possible to find joy.

As Leonard Cohen once said “Ring the bells that still can ring…Forget your perfect offering…There is a crack in everything…That’s how the light gets in.”

And Mary Oliver reminds us in her poem: Don’t Hesitate…

“ If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be. We are not wise, and not very often kind. And much can never be redeemed. Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world. It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.”

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So, don’t hesitate to seize the moment and see the possibility that is still left in life. Look for the cracks that let the light in and let the plentiful joy embrace you.