Deer Joy
Drawing inspiration from nature and Mary Oliver
I’m a huge fan of forest therapy and Mary Oliver, especially when I need a deep breath and some perspective. I love her poem “How I Go to the Woods.” I was thinking of it on Sunday as I saw three deer in what is lovingly called “the back swamp,” an area of habitat restoration that’s part of our church’s property.
What might three deer eating in the back swamp teach me about joy?
Here are my takeaways:
Listen closely. Sometimes you have to use your whole body to listen better.
Practice curiosity. Stand up, stretch out, look deeply, and ask your buddies when you need help figuring out what it is that you are looking at.
Savor and share. Bend down, you may have to get your neck in tricky places to get at the good stuff.
Take turns being the lookout. Eat, play, rest, and help your buddies do the same.
Move and explore - slow and carefully, fast and fierce. Both approaches have value.
Jump over obstacles together. There is a glorious surprise in strength, grace, and tenacity.
We’re in this together.
Who’s inspiring your joy this week?
Resources I’m using and sharing this week…
Ways I’m celebrating National Arab American Heritage Month…
Explore the Smithsonian’s resources and join in Hands Off! National Day of Action on April 5th!
Learn about the Arab American National Museum.
Read contemporary poets on Poets.org. It’s also National Poetry Month! Bonus!!
Joy Practices I’m leaning on this week…
Appreciating beauty in nature, especially rainbows. Check out this article on the healing power of beauty and awe!
Community and Joy Buddies! Celebrating Trans Visibility Day with Trans Pride Party at the Glen Burnie Library! Yay AACPL and Trans Joy! Check out the article.
More from Joy Work
Book - Order 101 Seeds for Library Joy today and plant a whole lot of joy at your library using this little book’s fun and inventive ideas! For bulk purchases and other special purchasing arrangements, please email editionsmarketing@ala.org.
Speaking - Book workshops and keynotes about well-being, resilience, and connection.
Resources - Learn more about positive psychology and many resources, advocates, researchers, and writers inspiring the joy movement.
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