Finding Joy

It's often hiding in plain sight

Madison Square Park Dog Run, NYC - Photo by the author

Can you feel an emotion so deeply and yet also feel numb? Apparently so.  But enough is enough. I knew I needed a reprieve from all my election-related emotions, and finding joy would be my ticket out – at least for a while. I fully believe that enablers of joy are all around us, if we only look for them. 

In the bleakness of February, I look for the first bulbs reaching up into the light of day – a very welcome symbol of renewal. In spring, I watch as the magnolia trees in Gandhi’s Union Square garden start to open their flowers - and luxuriate in the incredible beauty as they reach their peak. I stop to enjoy the antics of the park squirrels throughout the year – and the dogs out and about with their humans.

To break through my current malaise, I went to steep myself in the uplifting pleasure of the most joyous spot I know in New York City, the Madison Square Park dog run.¹ It did not disappoint.

Going to the Dogs

I knew I was on the right path (literally) when I heard the uplifting sound of a xylophone being played at my entrance to the park. I smiled and felt my heart lighten – and it continued to lighten as I got nearer to the sound of playing dogs.

The dog park is divided into two sections – one for small to medium dogs and one for medium to large dogs.  Each side has its own appropriately sized hill, and a stream of running water flows through both.

Typically, I see the small dogs less engaged. They mostly sit next to their humans, seeming to wonder what those four-legged creatures could possibly be. The larger dogs tend to be totally focused on each other – racing up and down and all around the hill, chasing each other with raucous abandon.

This visit was different and appeared to reflect my feeling that the world had turned upside down. 

For the first time, the larger dogs barely engaged with each other. One stood alone at the top of the hill, staring off into the distance. Other dogs eventually joined but, ultimately, this one sentry would once again stand alone.

The small dogs, in a change from the past, fully embraced the four-legged world and reveled in zealous play and abundant joy. Their humans were left alone.

I sat under the falling leaves and felt the soft stillness of the autumn air – both of which I love! Hearing the sounds of dogs playing was the perfect accompaniment. My world turned right side up.

Porcini Ravioli

Leaving the park with a light heart, I headed across the street to EATALY, the Italian food emporium. For some reason, I crave porcini ravioli at this time of year, and I had yet to find the perfect ones. But there they were, waiting for me at the fresh pasta counter.  I also bought some super fresh organic broccolini as my menu took shape. I felt so happy walking home!

Making this dinner for myself was also a source of joy.  The ravioli pasta was super thin and the porcini filling was delicious. At last, I had found the perfect ones! I prepared the broccolini with organic fennel slices and loved the two together.  It had turned into such a special meal that I did something I rarely do – I set a place at the table and sat down to enjoy it.

Snacking on Joy

A fascinating 2022 article by Richard Sima, a neuroscientist turned science journalist who writes the Brain Matters column for The Washington Post, explains the positive effects of feeling joy and how small “snacks” of joy make a great impact.² He writes that

“finding and savoring these nuggets of joy can be a way of consistently cultivating a good, meaningful life.”

Big joyful events are of course great, but so is the pleasure of talking with a friend, enjoying a movie, walking in nature. Once we find joy, what then?  Sima suggests that joy can be increased by savoring it, which he describes as

“mindfully paying attention, appreciating and accentuating the positive experiences we have.”

After savoring, share it, an act that strengthens the bonds with those we care about.

Sima distills his article down to its essence in this very short video: Want to feel happier? Here are 3 ways to snack on joy.

A Reflection

We are surrounded by opportunities to experience joy. According to Sima,

“Joy is a mind-set and something we can orient toward by being on the lookout for it.”

I couldn’t agree more. I realized a few years ago that I actively look for sparks of joy. I know they are there, waiting for me to discover them – and I always savor and share, allowing the joy to grow exponentially. Joy feeds my soul, and it just doesn’t get much better than that.

Where do you find joy?  I’d welcome hearing your thoughts in the comments.

1. More on Jemmy’s Dog Run and Madison Square Park can be found here.

2. Sima’s article can be found here. Unfortunately, it is behind a paywall and I don’t have access to a free link. Non-Washington Post subscribers can view the article’s key points in Sima’s short video, above or here.

Magnolia trees nearing peak bloom this spring at Gandhi’s Union Square Garden, NYC - Photo by the author