What brings you joy?

“Just follow your joy. Always. I think that if you do that, life will take you on the course that it’s meant to take you.” —Jonathan Groff

As humans, I notice we are not always the best at painting a picture of what we want, of what a true and beautiful world and life look like to us. We often say things like "a world without suffering," "a world without pollution and environmental degradation," "a world without violence and dehumanization." And that is helpful. It is helpful to know what we don’t want, but I think the true magic comes when we point towards what we do want.

There’s a practice in white water rafting called “point positive.” If you look at the obstacle you want to avoid, you almost always end up heading straight toward it. But, when you point the boat in the direction you want to go, the boat finds its way on that path. We are often very good at pointing out what we don't want, but not always as good as pointing out what we do want. I notice this in myself quite regularly, and I notice what happens in my body when I say things like this. My body becomes almost contradictory. There is some sense of relief in knowing the obstacle to avoid, but there is also contraction for the fear of hitting the obstacle and trying to avoid it. I noticed while it is harder to think of what I want sometimes, that sensation, once I find it, feels like reaching a mountain summit: challenging and sweaty on the way up, but spectacularly open and breathtaking contentment looking out. When we point positive, we get to what we truly want, not just avoid what we don’t.

There can be a pressure these days, and rightfully so, with the atrocities of war and intolerance and indifference that are plaguing our world, to think there is no time for "self-care" or "joy" because there is work to be done. But what we don't realize, what I have failed to realize, is what Brené Brown often cites: "Anger is a powerful catalyst, but a life-sucking companion. It’s an emotion that we need to transform into something life-giving: courage, love, change, compassion, justice." I am angry and heartbroken and grieving for the world, and that is a signal to me that I need to get still and quiet and understand what aspects of love I have for this world that this really points to.

I think joy is what sustains us when all else falls away, joy that comes from deep love. I think when we focus on what brings us joy, it points us to solutions that are not just bandaids, but that are sustaining, connecting, and possibility making. I think when we focus on joy it points us to our true nature and all that we are capable of. When we focus on joy, we move towards lives we want to be living for ourselves and others.

What brings me joy?

• Moving my body and knowing and trusting I can move it however and wherever I want.

• Spending time outside with those I love while we share stories, challenge ourselves to grow, try, move, and think differently, and embrace the beauty that exists all around us.

• Seeing others experience joy in and with the natural world.

• Watching others break glass ceilings and create visions of what is possible for others.

• Conversations, reflections, and art that excavates our hearts.

• Being with family, surrounded by home-cooked food, games, and music.

• Thru-hiking and carrying all I need in a backpack to see what is beautiful and true in myself, others, and the world.

All of these things are almost always possible for me, but not always for others. I move my body and trust I can move it however and wherever I want, and yet watched my grandmother, "Honey," struggle to trust her body or trust the landscape would be accessible to her during her life with Multiple Sclerosis. I love spending time outside and forming connections with people and place and feel safe to do so, and yet have witnessed so many moments of judgement or just blatant dehumanization that erase or limit others‘ experiences outside. I love seeing others experience joy and freedom in the natural world and know that is not a possibility for so many. I love watching others break glass ceilings and create visions of what is possible and admire those that have the courage to do so, but know that so many don’t have the resources to trust or believe or achieve what is possible for them. I love being with family and surrounded by home-cooked food and games and music, and know that so many are being stripped of their homes, their families, their music. I love thru-hiking and carrying only what is essential, and I know I have had months and years to plan, sort, and deliberate over what is essential while so many, especially those in Ukraine right now, are forced to decide rapidly because their life depends on it. They must go while I choose to go.

To heal the world, we must heal ourselves. Both require us to follow our joy.

I hike the PCT because it is where every thread of joy in my life is found.

I hike the PCT to make up for all of the steps that Honey could not take.

(If you would like to support the joy of movement, please donate to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation)

I hike the PCT to connect to place for all those who do not have the safety, the access, and the resources to do so.

(If you would like to support the joy of belonging and visibility in the outdoors, please donate to Diversify Outdoors)

I hike the PCT to experience joy in the natural world while it is still here.

(If you would like to support the joy of beauty and the natural world, please donate to the Nature Conservancy)

I hike the PCT to let others know that you can do hard things.

(If you would like to support the joy of empowerment and healing through the outdoors, please donate to the Outdoor Journal Tour)

I hike the PCT to get honest with myself and to be touched by the world.

(If you would like to support the joy of living wholeheartedly, diving deep, and enhancing mental health please donate to Grizel Caminas and Underneath it All Podcast)

I hike the PCT to know what is essential.

(If you would like to support the joy of being with family and safety, please donate to the Ukrainian Response and Together Rising)

I hike the PCT so that I may know joy and transform the world from that place. Your joy is your magic. We don’t need champions of causes, we need champions of joy. What present and future might you create if you step into your joy?