I’ve heard many people speak of their guilt or resistance to feeling joy in the midst of discord, global trauma, suffering, and the challenges of their personal lives. Particularly, those who are sensitive and empathic can absorb the pain of others to the degree that their own energy is compromised, and there is little left to help them rise above.

Joy is one of the higher vibrational frequencies that attracts and inspires connectivity, appreciation, celebration and personal empowerment. It cleanses, clears, and opens windows of possibility for elevated experiences for everyone. Joy can spread like wildfire but is the opposite of destructive. It sparks smiles, laugher, inner contentment, and hope.

On a personal level, inviting joy in your body, emotions, mind, and heart can transform the darkness of despair or depression, giving you the chance to shift perspective, feel some relief, and ease any pain. Observing nature is an easy and immediate way to find joy. Listening to the song of birds, watching a hummingbird, taking in the sky, trees, and beauty around you can fill your heart with joy.

Especially when things are not going well, finding joy in the smallest or briefest of moments, will free the blocks or barriers to loving. Joy releases love and love heals. Taking the hand of someone and feeling the joy of physical connection, or walking barefoot in Mother Earth’s waters, sands or grasses and enjoying the sensations of connecting with Her elements, observing children and pets in their innocence, watching a hilarious movie, or simply choosing to find joy in the experiences of the day will all contribute to greater happiness.

It is not wrong to feel joy in the midst of suffering. Expressing our compassion and grief through tears, prayers or supportive actions are appropriate responses, but joining the suffering to the degree of being compromised only expands the difficulty for all concerned.

Joy reminds us of our true nature and capacity to love. Expressing and sharing the consciousness of joy in any moment, is an energetic contribution that has a ripple effect. Find joy in yourself, as well. Acknowledge your accomplishments of the day, your beauty, your gifts, your creations. In the polarity of life, joy is the perfect elixir to luxuriously sip and savor.