Two years ago, I was talking with my mentor, a woman in her late 60s who is a retired acupuncturist, and she asked me what I’d like to be remembered for when I die and what it is that makes me me.  I answered someone who finds delight in small things easily and frequently.  I was thinking of my particular strengths but also of my lineage.  My kind sensitive mother and grandmother found appreciative joy in so many things—nature, beautiful objects, food, music, art, dance.  Each of their hearts were open to beauty and creativity and they supported the same in me.   

Thus as a way to move through my grief of losing my mom and to stay connected to her, I began the process of looking for delight more often.  Sometimes I record these moments with words, sometimes with a photo, some of which I paint. My daily dog walks are fertile ground for noticing delight, but it can also help to be open to my senses throughout the day such as when eating and interacting with everday objects or music.  I have found that this is similar to a gratitude practice but has been a little easier for me to stick with.  Researchers have found that people who practice gratitude by finding new things get the most benefit.  I am always grateful for my dog, my husband and home, but it keeps me focused on appreciative joy to keep my eyes open for things to paint.  Additionally, it really helps knowing that I have an audience, recipients with whom to share my delight.  I’m hoping that you too will be excited to try your own practice and share it.  I welcome you to describe and photograph what you find with the Facebook group and we can all be inspired by each other’s delights.