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Holly Starley's avatar

Wow! How interesting to have been in Italy during the 2016 election.

Thank you for this call for joy, Paulette. I do believe it's a yes/and. Yes, we must let joy seep in (beautiful words from the wise woman you quoted indeed). It's like putting on our own oxygen masks. So yes, we can also see the hurt and pain being caused and figure out where and how we can best step in. Or I probably should have worded that all as I. I must let the joy seep in. i must also see the hurt and pain and figure out where and how I can best resist. I'm not interested in telling anyone else how they SHOULD respond.

Beautiful post. 🥰🥰🥰

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you for reading and for your generous comments, Holly. It was truly an interesting time to be in Italy. Since then, Italy has been facing its own government upheaval. Fascinating.

I get that, too—my tendency to want to point the finger when I really need to stay present in my own life and choice-making.

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Heather Briann's avatar

We can show up AND experience JOY. Tantra = we practice embracing IT ALL! Here with you Paulette. Thank you, as always for you wise words and sweet heart.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Yes, we can, and we must!! Thank you for reading and being on this journey with me.

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Heather Briann's avatar

💕✨💕

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Paulette, I enjoyed your use of metaphors in this piece. It's encouraging to see how the yoga sutras encourage joy and delineate its great benefits. Those benefits will help us and everyone we come into contact with. We will naturally feel a range of emotions during this chaotic time, but what sense is there in excluding joy? It would only be to our detriment.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you, Sandra. Yes! It would be debilitating to turn away from joy. I also find it encouraging to have the foundation of the Sutras as we navigate this time.

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

I agree that joy is an act of resistance and that we have to make space for it, even summon it actively. I just commented on Sue Ferrara's newsletter that we must feel all the feelings since they're all an intrinsic part of our humanity. I believe there was a time to wallow after this election, and boy did I. Now is a time for resistance in whatever form we can wholeheartedly embrace, and I choose joy whenever I can. Just saw my 1 year old grandson today, so it was easy.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Yes! Yes! Yes! I haven't read Sue's post yet, but I will. It's encouraging to know that we belong to the joy movement. I agree. We had to crumble and wallow at first. Now, it's about forging a path ahead. And grandbabies help!

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you for reading and restacking, Sue.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Paulette, I am sooo with you on experiencing joy! It only takes a moment to focus on a beautiful flower opening, a dog happily playing, a child giggling with delight, a picture perfect sunrise or sunset - and the results are profound. These moments of joy bring us back to a place of peace and harmony, and stays with us as we go on with our day. Thank you for the reminder that experiencing joy is OK in troubled times. I'd say it's a necessity! 💕

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thanks for joining me in being OK with experiencing joy and knowing it is necessary for well-being on all levels. I appreciate all the sweet moments you brought to mind and a reminder of how they create profound results.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Thank you, Paulette, for this uplifting post. Perfect way to begin this week. ☘️

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

You're welcome, Sue. That's for reading and commenting! I'm happy to be with you on our shared journey of joy.

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Susan Harley's avatar

Wonderful powerful words as your passion and wisdom provide a rallying call for unlimited Joy.

Tyranny feeds off fear and despair , so joy is rebellion and celebration. 🥳

Thank you Paulette, for this excellent and timely ode to Joy . X

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Yes, tyranny does feed off fear and despair! I appreciate being in joyful rebellion with you, Susan.

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