Cultivate Sustainable Joy to Weather Life's Storms

This kind of joy lasts through tough times in life. It stays strong even when we face big challenges.

Me standing on the shores of Lake Laberge/Yukon River this weekend. Photo by my tripod.

Joy is a profound state of being, characterized by inner peace and tranquility, where one finds themselves free from the burdens of anxiety and worry. It's about embracing life's imperfections and discovering beauty in the flaws that make us uniquely human. This blissful state emerges when your breath synchronizes with the pulsating rhythm of your inner exuberance, creating a harmonious symphony within. It's a moment when your heart beats in perfect unison with the world around you, connecting you to something greater than yourself. As I sit here in the vast, untamed wilderness of the Yukon, surrounded by nature's raw beauty, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of joy. From this serene landscape, I am reaching out across the miles, sending waves of pure joy, boundless hope, and bountiful positivity to all who may receive it.

I often employ the term "sustainable joy" to emphasize the concept of joy that persists even when the initial sources of happiness are no longer present. This type of joy endures through life's tumultuous periods, remaining steadfast when we find ourselves in the midst of life's storms. It's a joy that continues to radiate even when our dear ones, loved ones, friends, and colleagues are no longer by our side. This sustainable joy maintains its presence even when circumstances don't align with our desires or expectations. It's a resilient form of happiness that withstands the tests of time and adversity, rooting itself deeply within our being and flourishing regardless of external conditions. This enduring joy serves as an internal wellspring of positivity, continuously nourishing our spirit and providing strength during challenging times.

The joy derived from material possessions or social gatherings often remains present only while those elements are in our immediate vicinity. Even when these sources of happiness persist in our lives, their ability to spark joy tends to diminish over time. The initial excitement and pleasure they provide gradually fades, leaving us with a sense of diminished satisfaction. This phenomenon highlights the transient nature of happiness rooted in external factors and emphasizes the importance of cultivating more enduring sources of joy. As the allure of material things and social experiences begins to wane, it becomes increasingly apparent that we need to seek out and nurture sustainable wellsprings of happiness. These more resilient sources of joy are often found within ourselves, in our personal growth, meaningful relationships, and pursuit of purpose. By focusing on these internal wellsprings, we can cultivate a more stable and lasting sense of contentment that isn't dependent on fleeting external circumstances.

The cultivation of inner joy is a deliberate process that demands dedicated effort, thoughtful planning, and consistent mindfulness. It necessitates the creation of a conducive environment for various practices such as meditation, physical movement, and creative expression. This journey requires an initial period of intense focus to establish a routine and minimize potential distractions that might hinder progress. The decision to cultivate inner joy often involves making significant life choices that align with this goal.

In my personal journey, the choice to reside in a small, secluded cabin was directly influenced by this aspiration. I sought a space that would provide the ideal conditions for pursuing and nurturing inner joy. This environment, free from the usual distractions of modern life, allowed me to dedicate time and energy to practices that foster inner peace and contentment. For six years, the cabin in the Yukon wilderness served as a sanctuary where I could engage in regular meditation, explore various forms of physical exercise, and express myself creatively without interruption.

To share more joy and hope with you today, I'm presenting a video I created around my cabin in the Yukon wilderness. I'm confident that the peaceful saxophone sound in the music from my dear friend Todd MacLean from Charlottetown, PEI, will add an extra touch to your ears and heart, along with my dhol drumming:

By intentionally creating this space, both physically and mentally, I was able to delve deeper into the exploration of inner joy. The simplicity of cabin life encouraged a focus on essential practices and experiences that contribute to sustainable happiness. It provided an opportunity to step back from external sources of temporary pleasure and instead cultivate a more enduring sense of joy that comes from within. This deliberate approach to creating space for inner joy was transformative, allowing me to develop a more resilient and lasting sense of wellbeing that persists regardless of external circumstances.

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Cheerfully,
Gurdeep