In the heart of a retreat, surrounded by new faces, an unexpected moment of pure joy struck me. A deep, resonant laugh emerged, one that seemed to come from a place I had long forgotten. I hadn’t been seeking it, but there it was, a reminder that joy can find us even when we’re not looking.
This experience sparked a journey of rediscovery, leading me to explore various ways to invite joy back into my life. Here, I share five practices that have helped me reconnect with this essential part of being human.
Embracing bodily wisdom
Joy often begins in the body before it reaches the mind. That unexpected laugh was a testament to this truth. It caught me off guard, a reminder that our bodies remember joy even when our minds have forgotten.
If you’ve been through a challenging time, don’t wait for your thoughts to catch up. Movement can be a powerful catalyst. Stretch, dance, or simply sit in the sun. Let your body guide you to places your mind hasn’t reached yet. You might be surprised by what you find.
Stepping beyond comfort zones
At a retreat with the Modern Elder Academy I made a promise to dance in front of others. It took me six days to gather the courage, but I did it. That moment wasn’t just about dancing; it was about reclaiming a part of myself I had set aside.
There’s something transformative about doing the thing that makes you a little uncomfortable. It could be dancing, taking a painting class, or traveling alone. Joy often resides just beyond our comfort zones. You don’t have to leap; just take one step.
Cultivating creativity
Many of us were never told we were creative, but making something with our hands can be a direct path to joy. It doesn’t have to be perfect or finished; it just has to be yours. Whether it’s painting, cooking, gardening, or arranging flowers, the act of creation is a proof of life.
There’s a quiet satisfaction in bringing something new into the world. It’s a reminder of our capacity to create and connect with the present moment.
Nurturing small moments
Joy doesn’t only live in grand gestures; it’s also found in the small, everyday moments. A slowly made cup of tea, a phone-free walk, or the morning light in your garden can be sources of joy if you let them.
If you’ve been in survival mode, practicing mindfulness can help you find your way back. Tending to something small every day—a plant, a ritual, a moment of stillness—can make joy a habit rather than a lucky accident.
Building meaningful connections
Not all connections are equal. Some relationships fill us up, while others drain us. In our midlife and beyond, we earn the right to choose connections that uplift us.
Think about who makes you feel most alive. Who do you laugh with? Who can you be honest with? These genuine, reciprocal connections are not luxuries; they are necessities for joy. If you’re looking for a place to foster such connections, the Modern Elder Academy with campuses in Santa Fe, New Mexico and El Pescadero, Mexico offers a space for adults aged 40 to 75 to connect deeply.
That belly laugh wasn’t the end of a hard season; it was a beginning. A signal that joy was still there, still possible, still available if I was willing to practice it. You don’t have to wait until everything is resolved to feel alive. You can start right now, today, with one small turning toward the light.
