Joyful

The heavens brought snow, hail, and rain to southern California last Friday. Temperatures dropped so much that the beaches and parks were transformed into imaginary landscapes that brought delight.  Pictures had to be taken to preserve the moment's magic for another day.  

On Saturday, the northern California skies opened to a little blue and many beautiful cloud formations.  Then, on Sunday the skies went gray again with rain that came down steadily throughout the day and even so, San Francisco was beautiful.  Finally, Monday and Tuesday in west Texas was warm, sunny, and dusty.  The plains winds kicked up to create a beige haze - people are used to it there.  The changing weather is a vital source of inspiration and joy. Today is Thursday and the sun in southern California is shining again.  

What does it mean to live a joyful life?  (Don't confuse this with happy.).  

Considering the options, without looking away, one must first face the fact that this life will end.  That end sometimes comes without notice.  For others, there may be a chance to know the timeline because a condition arises that opens a path for treatment, and extension of life.  But for all, the end arrives and it is the ultimate surprise.

Those who know how to find the courage to take a few meaningful risks, and move into the unknown fearlessly are ones who have a better chance of living a joyous life.  It is a life skill to know how to move from moments of calm and ease and then jump into the chaos and energy of everyday existence, without missing a beat.

Here's a story about the importance of being "present".  There was a man who lived a life that was incredibly vital because everything he did was about being in service - not to people, but to principles.  He even wrote about this in a little tract that is used among organizers, people of faith.  (The confusion sometimes arises when when in the throes of things, one begins to follow a person rather than the principles.).  His was to ensure humanity survives the tensions of having to live in a world of materiality.  His energy and life's work defined what it meant for people to be able to live with a measure of dignity and hope and decency - no matter their station in life.  

This man was able to change many lives, inspire entire movements for social justice and change, and – have fun, engage in trickster antics, and share what is sometimes called "big love" with those who shared the struggles of life with him. His energy was life-giving.  Sometimes communal, sometimes confrontational, and always clear about life purpose... to become the best human being you can be, now. His celebration of life was a blessing to experience, an example of what it means to live fully and know that the spirit and soul survive the body's end.  Each speaker said his name, and declared, "Presenté!"

It is too easy to forget the power of compassion and courage when seeking to make the world move toward affirming life.  When things go awry, people get hurt or die - it can feel impossible.  And yet, the fundamental principle to commit oneself to meet these challenging moments and to remember to do so with intelligence combined with a strong spirit - with joy, with humor, with playfulness to break the tension - is how things can get done, and how one continues on.

And then of course, the weather changes, new storms and new sunny days - all are invitations to practice - joyfulness.