I am in awe of your ability to find joy in everything. Since my husband died 7+ years ago I have found sustained joy to be completely elusive. I have a great deal of difficulty meditating without falling asleep, and while I feel joy at interactions with dear ones, I’d like to know how to keep that going after the interaction is over. I have loved your posts from the beginning, and I am delighted to find you on here again.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Susan. The grief you still experience even after 7+ years is proof of the great connection you had with your husband. We all find joy in interactions with our dear ones—I do too. Now, the challenge is how to sustain that joy when they're gone. It requires practice, effort, and dedication. The approach can be different for different people. It's about finding ways to keep our minds occupied with movement, meditation, and creative expressions. The key is that it needs practice. It may feel intimidating at first, but once you've trained your mind, you'll learn to find peace in solitude. I know it's easier said than done, but with continued effort, it can be achieved.
This is so lovely. And thank you for this insight: “The cultivation of inner joy is a deliberate process that demands dedicated effort, thoughtful planning, and consistent mindfulness.”
I find this to be true also for contentment, which for me is joy’s kin. Rather than fleeting emotions these are perpetual states which can only be maintained through - well, maintenance! Such a powerful reminder.
Thank you for shining your beautiful light into the world. I’ve been following your Substack for some time on the recommendation of a friend and your stories bring joy to my heart.
Beautiful all the way around! My husband and I have been struggling for a year now with my medical issues which are affecting my mental health. Your videos and emails bring some much needed light into our day. Thank you!
This is beautifully written, dear Gurdeep. I truly appreciate the concept of “Sustainable Joy”. If one can cultivate it internally, there will be no need to seek it externally, and certainly not in fleeting ways. Well done! Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏽
Your reflection on sustainable joy is truly inspiring, highlighting how true happiness comes from within and requires patience and intention. The idea of joy that endures through life’s challenges is a powerful reminder to focus on inner peace. The video you created, with the soothing saxophone and vibrant dhol drumming, beautifully captures this message and invites us to embrace life’s imperfections and cultivate lasting joy. 🙏✨Your Bhangra skills are absolutely incredible! The energy, rhythm, and precision you bring to every move is truly impressive.
I appreciate that you mention, essentially, that the cultivation of sustainable joy is a deliberate process. I find this to be true and have learned in recent months to enjoy chosen moments of solitude. Thank you for your inspiration.
Thank you so much for writing such hopeful thoughts on how to navigate challenges in life. Bhangra brings me so much joy and being able to tie dance into these messages just makes me even more excited to see your newsletter every Sunday! Thanks for all of your incredible work.
Thank you for sharing your Joy and thank you for this post. I am learning to live with joy and peace by losing myself in the mountains and woods around me. I feel like I am so small and my problems are so insignificant. Have a great day from (still snowless) Gaspe Quebec
I am in awe of your ability to find joy in everything. Since my husband died 7+ years ago I have found sustained joy to be completely elusive. I have a great deal of difficulty meditating without falling asleep, and while I feel joy at interactions with dear ones, I’d like to know how to keep that going after the interaction is over. I have loved your posts from the beginning, and I am delighted to find you on here again.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Susan. The grief you still experience even after 7+ years is proof of the great connection you had with your husband. We all find joy in interactions with our dear ones—I do too. Now, the challenge is how to sustain that joy when they're gone. It requires practice, effort, and dedication. The approach can be different for different people. It's about finding ways to keep our minds occupied with movement, meditation, and creative expressions. The key is that it needs practice. It may feel intimidating at first, but once you've trained your mind, you'll learn to find peace in solitude. I know it's easier said than done, but with continued effort, it can be achieved.
This is so lovely. And thank you for this insight: “The cultivation of inner joy is a deliberate process that demands dedicated effort, thoughtful planning, and consistent mindfulness.”
I find this to be true also for contentment, which for me is joy’s kin. Rather than fleeting emotions these are perpetual states which can only be maintained through - well, maintenance! Such a powerful reminder.
Thank you for shining your beautiful light into the world. I’ve been following your Substack for some time on the recommendation of a friend and your stories bring joy to my heart.
Thanks for such a beautiful feedback, Kelly!
Thank you for the joy you bring and exude. On a mission to bring back joy into my life. I feel it when I see you dance
Thanks for your kind words, Yvonne!
Beautiful all the way around! My husband and I have been struggling for a year now with my medical issues which are affecting my mental health. Your videos and emails bring some much needed light into our day. Thank you!
Thank you, Amy! I hope you recover soon and find peace on your journey.
Thank you m, but recovery at this point won’t be possible. But, you bring some light and sun into my day so thank you.
This is beautifully written, dear Gurdeep. I truly appreciate the concept of “Sustainable Joy”. If one can cultivate it internally, there will be no need to seek it externally, and certainly not in fleeting ways. Well done! Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏽
Your reflection on sustainable joy is truly inspiring, highlighting how true happiness comes from within and requires patience and intention. The idea of joy that endures through life’s challenges is a powerful reminder to focus on inner peace. The video you created, with the soothing saxophone and vibrant dhol drumming, beautifully captures this message and invites us to embrace life’s imperfections and cultivate lasting joy. 🙏✨Your Bhangra skills are absolutely incredible! The energy, rhythm, and precision you bring to every move is truly impressive.
"Sustainable joy" . . . Thank you for pointing us towards this omnipresent gift, Gurdeep.
I appreciate that you mention, essentially, that the cultivation of sustainable joy is a deliberate process. I find this to be true and have learned in recent months to enjoy chosen moments of solitude. Thank you for your inspiration.
I find renewed strength from your joy of living.
Thank you for reminding us of our ability to find sustainable joy despite difficulties.
Thank you so much for writing such hopeful thoughts on how to navigate challenges in life. Bhangra brings me so much joy and being able to tie dance into these messages just makes me even more excited to see your newsletter every Sunday! Thanks for all of your incredible work.
Thank you for sharing your Joy and thank you for this post. I am learning to live with joy and peace by losing myself in the mountains and woods around me. I feel like I am so small and my problems are so insignificant. Have a great day from (still snowless) Gaspe Quebec
We’ll be dancing all the time down here south of your border. Need snow though to make it fun.
Every one of your posts make me smile, wonderful thank you