July: The Quiet Power of Joy
When was the last time you felt a true sense of joy?
The kind of joy that melts time, where an hour feels like ten minutes.
The kind of joy you experienced as a kid when the moment felt alive and everything was possible.
Maybe the last time you felt this was while watching the sunset on vacation, or while laughing with friends. Or, maybe joy surprised you in a simple moment while you were folding the laundry, sipping your coffee, or indulging in a delicious bite of food.
Many of us have learned that joy is reserved for special occasions like retreats, vacations, or dinners out. But the funny thing about joy is that it is not determined by what we are doing, but how we are experiencing life moment to moment.
What happens when you really listen to music, sit with a loved one and see them without judgment?
What changes when you pause to look at a flower and its vibrant colors, without thinking about an argument you had yesterday?
These moments are an invitation into presence, which is the pathway to joy. It’s the silencing of mental chatter so that we can experience what is truly around.
With so many distractions and a never-ending to-do list, presence can feel nearly impossible at times. We live in a world that worships productivity and speed, where joy can feel self-indulgent or even irresponsible at times. But what if joy were an essential part of growth that expands your capacity to heal, connect, and experience the magic of being alive?
I’ve spent years chasing joy like it was something I needed to earn, without realizing that it’s available to all of us, right here, right now.
Here’s one of my favorite 5-minute exercises to get present:
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath in through your belly, into the heart, and exhale deeply. Repeat this pattern a few times, feeling your body begin to relax.
Notice the thoughts that arise in your mind. Are you nervous about an upcoming conversation? Frustrated because you didn’t sleep well? Anxious because you don’t have enough time to get everything done today? Instead of pushing those thoughts away, just notice them. Observe them. Let them be. Continue observing those thoughts and breathing into them, not trying to change a thing.
Take a moment to feel into your body. Are you uncomfortable? Are you feeling sad or disappointed? Excited or nervous? Continue to breathe into any emotions or physical sensations that arise.
Open your eyes and notice if anything has shifted. See if any colors look brighter or if you hear any sounds. From this space, you may notice that more joy and peace are present.
Joy isn’t a destination. It’s a practice of noticing the light in ordinary things. A practice of making room for play and wonder, even when life is heavy.
Reflection Prompts for you:
When was the last time I felt joy without effort or expectation? Was the joy I experienced related to a sense of presence?
Where in my life am I delaying joy—waiting for something to change before I let myself feel good?
What simple moments already bring me joy, if I pay attention?
What small ritual or practice could I introduce this month to invite more joy into my day?
This month, we’re inviting you to explore your own relationship with joy—not as a performative emotion or a toxic silver lining, but as an embodied experience.
Recommended Resources:
The Growth Club team has curated a few recommended readings and podcasts to explore Joy deeper. Let us know what you think, and feel free to share more of your favorites with us!
Books:
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
Explores how transcending the ego and awakening to present-moment awareness leads to deep inner peace and lasting joy—joy that arises not from external achievement, but from simply being.
The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu
A joyful, soul-expanding dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Together, they explore how to cultivate joy even in the face of suffering—through forgiveness, compassion, and presence.
Podcasts:
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos: “How to Really Savor Life”
This episode breaks down how practicing mindfulness and savoring can deepen your daily experiences of joy—even in ordinary moments.
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris: “The Secret to Experiencing More Joy” with Barbara Fredrickson
Renowned positive psychology researcher Barbara Fredrickson explores what joy does to our brains and how we can intentionally cultivate more of it.
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