What sparks joy! I love this concept. Marie Kondo has sold over 6 million books sharing her wisdom about this inquiry and has developed a coaching method designed to help people find joy, create space and tidy up their homes. In her book, she invites us to only own and keep the things that spark joy.  You know what I’m talking about…, keeping only the books, the sweaters and the treasures that we love today to be around. And then letting go of what does not spark joy any more.  I love her book entitled “the life-changing magic of tidying up”, and utilize this concept both personally and professionally. Personally, I recently culled my books with this inquiry.  It was magical and so helpful. Professionally, it is at the heart of my group work.

 

 This Concept to Our Lifestyle

 

We can apply this to our lifestyle inquiries. I am applying this method of tuning-in to the multiple options and choices I make in my day, including, what activities and art projects I want to do. Just this morning I went into my art studio, noticed my papermaking equipment and was struck by a longing, a spark of joy.  It surprised me. The memory returned later that morning when I was writing.  Our body gives us messages all the time, especially cues about what could bring us more joy.  That papermaking kit was a gift so long ago and it is now calling out to me and saying “take me, take me”. Maybe I will.

 

 Do An Experiment

 

I consider inquiry a method of listening to our inner knowing, a useful skill.  An interesting and fun method of culling this skill is to select magazine images for a collage. Try this exercise.

 

Step One

Tear out 20 to 30 images out of magazines that attract and interest you. Do this rather quickly.  Also tear out one image that you know you do not like or are not interested in.

 

Step Two

Do a little experiment. Hold one picture you love, ponder and ask yourself…” how do I know I love this?”. Listen.  Then pick up the other image (the one you know you don’t like) and ask yourself…” how do I know that I don’t like this”. Listen to your body again and really tune in to how it talks to you.  For me, my throat opens with joy and closes if it is not joyful.  For some there is a sensation in the heart or at their center or the jaw. There are many, many cues the body can give us.

 

Step Three

Go back to your images and hold and ponder each one to determine which images spark joy.  Most likely, you will narrow the number of images. It may even be hard to let some go. You can ease this by saying “no, not now” and put them in a different pile.

 

Step Four

Build a collage with the images that spark joy and hang it somewhere to visually teach and remind you about what sparks joy in you. Trust me, there is so much to discover about how to tune in and listen.

 

It is so Worth It

I truly believe that learning how to listen to our inner knowing and what sparks joy could change our life in many ways. Let’s get conversations going about what sparks joy. Which part of this blog sparked joy in you?

 

If you would like to learn about my upcoming workshop here in Calgary click here