The Practice of Allowing Joy

How Mindful Moments Can Help You Reclaim Your Light—This Summer and Beyond

This summer, I’m choosing joy.
Not because life is perfect or easy, but because I’ve realized: joy needs to be allowed.

Lately, in the early morning, I’ve been pausing to watch the tree branches flutter in the breeze as I sit with my coffee, letting the light pour through the leaves. On weekends, I’ve been savoring the feeling of slowly wading into the lake, letting the smooth, cool water wrap around me. At night, I find myself marveling at the fireflies flickering across the lawn—like tiny messengers of wonder.

It’s not that I don’t know there are a hundred other things I could be doing with my mind and energy.
I just know that joy doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s something we choose.
Something we practice.

The Science Behind Mindful Joy

Research shows that simple moments of mindfulness—pausing to be present with what’s here—can actually rewire the brain toward more positive emotion.

Studies in positive psychology and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) have shown that directing attention toward pleasant experiences can activate the brain’s reward system, reduce anxiety, and support emotional resilience.¹ ²

When we intentionally notice the warmth of the sun on our skin or the sparkle of light on water, we’re not escaping life—we’re restoring ourselves. We’re telling our nervous systems: it’s safe to soften, to rest, to receive.

In fact, research suggests that emotions like joy, awe, and gratitude expand our awareness and build internal resources that help us cope with difficulty more effectively over time.³

So no, joy isn't frivolous.
It’s fuel.
It’s resilience.
It’s part of how we survive—and stay open—even when the world feels heavy.

Joy Doesn’t Mean Ignoring the World—It Means Rebalancing

I’ll be honest—it’s taken me a while to feel okay turning toward joy when there are so many challenges in the world and in our own lives. Maybe you feel that way too. But I’ve learned that allowing space for joy isn’t denial—it’s rebalancing.

When we’re overwhelmed or heartbroken, we can’t show up for others—or ourselves—from a grounded place.
But when we allow even just a few mindful moments of joy…
we reconnect to our capacity for hope, care, and meaningful action.

Joy isn’t selfish.
It’s sustaining.

Try This: Choose One Joyful Pause Each Day

This summer, I invite you to look for small, intentional moments of joy.
Even in the messiness. Even in the challenge.

Let yourself be surprised by something beautiful.
Sit with your coffee outside.
Feel the breeze.
Turn your face toward the sun.
Go swimming. Take a hike. Laugh with someone. Watch the light change.

It’s a process of allowing. And it matters.

And if you’re craving a deeper pause—a space to reconnect with joy, calm, and community—my upcoming retreats were made for just that. They're a gentle invitation to come back to yourself.

May you give yourself permission to choose joy this season. You’re allowed.

Sources:

1. Garland, E.L. et al. (2010). Mindfulness training modifies cognitive, affective, and physiological mechanisms implicated in alcohol dependence.

2. Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Context: Past, Present, and Future.

3. Fredrickson, B. (2004). The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.