24 Comments
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Kirsten Basram's avatar

Painting in my studio and blackberrying alone along a quiet lane for a blissful hour this morning

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

That sounds heavenly. And I love making blackberry into a verb! A yummy verb!

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Fran Gardner's avatar

My bliss is writing. Pulling fresh words like radishes, covered with dirt and delicious. Surprised by obliqueness and endless synchronicity. Where do these ideas come from? Wonder and joy.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Oh, that's so beautiful, Fran! Fresh words like radishes! Love that! Thank you for sharing!

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Maggie Schilb's avatar

Nature, even something as simple as the way the sunlight hits a leaf or the presence of a single bloom despite harsh conditions. Also, an organized space where everything (and by everything hopefully is not much) has a place.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Oh, beautiful! And I share your desire for organization--and of not much!!

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Jiling Lin, LAc's avatar

I love this question. I find joy in sipping tea, surfing, snuggling my beloved, and eating chocolate. I might “borrow“ this question for ending a few podcast interviews! 💗

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Um, it would appear we're the same person except rather than surfing (which I would love to learn!) insert boxing! Borrow away!

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

I often find joy in being alone. Being in the quiet. No other noise to scatter my thoughts and even if nothing profound comes out of of it I’m ridiculously happy.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

That's so beautiful, Ramona! I'm glad you have that. I enjoy time alone, as well.

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Jillian Hess's avatar

Love all of this!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Thank you, Jillian! I always find these sorts of reminders inspiring!

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Paolo Peralta's avatar

Wow! Thank you for this. I'm hooked 🙌

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Hooked on joy? Yay! :)

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Hi Jane! Just found you here. Love your writing. xoxo

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Cyndi! Hello! Lovely to find you here. Thank you for the kind words! And you have a Substack?? I will check it out! xx

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Yes, it's called Drip, Drip, Drip. A quote from Rimpoche. I just responded to your welcome email, too. xo

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

Such a beautiful celebration of the many different places that we find joy. Martinis and sandwiches made me smile, so that gives me tiny joy on a day when I'm physically and emotionally not feeling great and could use any little joy boost I can get. Joy is also coming from a good cup of coffee and the warmth of my dogs snuggling as they sleep in.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Firstly, I'm sorry it's not a great day for you. I'm awfully glad Alexander's words provided a wee boost. They made me smile, as well. Glad you have your doggys there with you. I hope you're feeling better soon.

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

Thank you. Much appreciated. 💙💙🦋🦋

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Matthew Moreo Gutierrez's avatar

Joy is fresh coffee in the morning, a walk in the park under the sun, admiring the trees and the crisp September air. A meal or walk with a loved one or dear friend.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

That all sounds absolutely perfect! And crisp September air is the best!

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sherylo's avatar

My dog's antics. He's cuteness overload in a fur suit. We hunt lizards together---I get joy (most of the time) in the way he wants me to join in the hunt. I sing to the lizards; he pounces on them. However, I don't think the lizards find this joy-inducing.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Oh my gosh, I love this! And, yes, how lovely that he wants you to join in! What would we do without dogs?!

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