Spark That Joy!

The tweet tweet of the birds as I step out of the house, the gentle breeze blowing at my hair sending a shiver down my spine despite the warm sun makes me want to sing in joy. I realize these tweets are not that of birds looking for food but of the ones looking for a place to nest! How wonderful that is! The backyard is almost cleaned up and birds are making a beeline to the pond. I fill the feeders with food.

I think of all that spring cleaning that I have already begun. After those cold months indoors, the need to air out and bring freshness in, is immense. I look at my plants that have survived the winter indoors. They look happier. As they lean towards the glass of the window, perhaps they are wondering what it is like to be outside. I smile at them, assuring them that they will find their free space in a couple of weeks, asking them to trust me.

As I change the curtains in the house, I think of Mary Kondo and her “every item in your house should spark joy, else get rid of it” philosophy. I look around the house. I do not know about you, but almost all the material things in my house do spark joy to me. Keep them all it is, for me . Having made my decision, I pick up the old curtains to put them away.

As I take the route I take to work with my DD, in excitement I tell her “Let me show you all the trees I love on my way to work!” She looks at me and simply says “Mom, don’t worry. I will not share with anyone what you just said!” teasingly. Spring does bring a joyful side out. I do not know about you, but the days I do not notice my beloved trees are the days I know I have not lived in the moment. I think of “if it does not bring joy comment” and think how wonderful it would be if we could apply that to the thoughts in our head. If a thought does not spark joy, get rid of it! Wouldn’t it be beautiful?

As I read Marcus Aurelius before sleeping, I read – “My soul, will you never be simple, serene, and satisfied? Will you never enjoy a kind, generous, sunny disposition?
Will you never be happy with life as it is, desiring nothing more? Will you never stop seeking entertainment and longing for pleasure?
Will you never be grateful for all that exists and occurs, knowing everything comes from nature and gods?“

I can Marcus, I can with all the beauty around me for a few brief moments is all I can say.

With March marching in as a lion, we have had lovely moments like this


Even as we wait for April showers to bring May flowers, do share your moments (in pictures) that sparked joy in you!

 

Dear @Thyagarajan sir,
First things first, please do remove that ji from your vocabulary when it comes to me. I am much too younger and all I seek is your blessings!

That is indeed a beautiful description of Goddess Saraswathi! Thank you for that vivid description.

This here

is so true. Letting of those thoughts that donot serve any purpose is very important. Our minds are sharper than we think and we as humans seek happiness. there is so much around yet we seek it elasewhere!

Appreciate your feedback!

 

Dear Syamala,

You are so right! Not wanting more is difficult.

We certianly want more of those happy thoughts too don't we? i am learning that I can have those thoughts in my head as savings in my account and try to recall and use them when I need. It is a fascinating exercise Getting rid of thoughts is not possible I think - we canonly watch them go by. We have been given these senses for enjoyment. Only when these thoughts lead us to attachment it becomes difficult!

Thank you as always my friend for your lovely feedback.

 

This is what I am talking about @Thyagarajan sir. My hope, we share those lovely pictures and make it cheerful! Thank you for sharing such lovely flowers

I love hibiscus, am partial to red ones and I protect my plant through the winter to take it outside now. The color you have shared is so unique. I have never seen it! Thank you!