Dear Friends,
The season of joy has arrived. The time when we celebrate light and goodness is here. Yet sometimes in the midst of things, it is hard to see and celebrate goodness. The call for “Joy to the World” can seem like just another platitude that ring hallow. But an older definition of joy may shed some light on its truest meaning: joy is an “emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good.”
What if we were to live our lives – toward goodness in ourselves, in others, in the world?
What if we woke up each day determined to find and appreciate the goodness inherent in ourselves and others? When we allow ourselves to see and appreciate the good – we invite Joy. In the face of toxic cynicism, the ability to see and share goodness is critical.
Yes – Joy is a spiritual practice that is deeply needed in today’s world. This is precisely why I am so grateful for the Interweave community!
Here you find people who are trying to live their lives in this countercultural way. Here at Interweave you can find others who are committed to the practice of Joy. It is a Joy that emerges in sharing of the sacred: sacred art. sacred writing, sacred dance. Through shared meditation. earnest discussion, and embracing our own vulnerabilities in this safe space, we learn more about what makes us who we are. Stories about the journey of being human – the drama. comedy and tragedy of being human. The joy is in the sharing of our stories; in that act of giving and the gift of receiving. This is not a superficial joy but a deep joy, a kind of gritty joy forged in this environ, of the frustrations of the day and the realities of life. lnterweavers share this love of living that gives birth to joy!
Your generous support of Interweave is what enables us to provide classes and programming that promote the art of living joyfully with: a sense of purpose, mindfulness and an appreciation for beauty.
People from all walks of life come to Interweave for wellness and care of self, so that that they in turn might care for the world. As philosopher Soren Kierkegaard suggested: “the door to joy opens outward .”
Thank you! Your generosity makes it possible for Interweave to continue to be a place where people are supported in answering the call to bring” Joy to the World”.
May the joy of being fully alive – sharing love and goodness – be with you now and in the year to come!
Blessings,
Janet Aulet Maulbeck
Executive Director