I’ve been practicing what I call The Delight of the Day. Each day I watch for moments that inspire a strong feeling of gratitude and joy within me. I mentally label the strongest such moment The Delight of the Day. The practice encourages what psychologists call “positive scanning.” I’m waiting for good things to happen and, when they do, I notice and celebrate them. The more I understand what brings me joy, the more I can drop into it.
Last Friday, I did not do a Delights of Day post because I was at CONvergence, a science fiction/fantasy convention. I delighted in being around smart people who love stories of possibility. It’s fashionable, nowadays, to talk about being a member of a tribe (thanks[?] to Seth Godin).
SFF fandom has been a subculture– with its own language and customs – for nearly a century.
Returning to the mundane world, I was conscious of the joy of being with people with whom I share values.
At the same time, I am mindful of the downside of tribalism. While it’s wonderful and energizing to be around people who “get me,” it’s dangerous to separate Us from Them. I want to cultivate compassion and respect for people from other cultures, realizing that our different ways of being can make the human family stronger and more beautiful.
How can being with your tribe increase your energy and your compassion?
My delights for this week:
CONvergence– Being around 7000 tribe members.
Silence and solitude, balancing out the last four days.
Read fiction, delving into one of the stories of possibility mentioned during the Con.
Watched a prairie thunderstorm move through; the power of wind and water was astounding.
Renewed my determination to live the best life I can live. (I’m not sure what prompted that renewal, but it was necessary!)
Reconnected with an old friend about whom I have been concerned.
Spent one-on-one time with family numbers, fanning the flames of love.
May you move toward your joy and find delight in each day.
