Nourish. . .
Joy is not a distraction from the path — it is nourishment.
In Buddhist practice, joy is something we intentionally cultivate through appreciation, gratitude, and presence. When we slow down enough to notice what is wholesome and life-giving, joy doesn’t need to be manufactured. It naturally arises.
Practicing joy does not deny suffering. It balances it. Joy reminds us why practice matters—not to escape life, but to meet it more fully. Even in difficulty, moments of beauty remain, and acknowledging them strengthens the heart rather than weakening it.
Small moments matter more than we often realize. A warm cup of tea held in both hands, a shared laugh that breaks tension, a quiet morning before the world wakes—these are not trivial comforts. They are teachings, pointing us back to presence and reminding us what it feels like to be alive.
As grasping loosens, joy becomes steadier. When we stop demanding that life meet our expectations, we become more available to its gifts. Joy grows quieter, less dependent on circumstances, and more trustworthy.
Joy is not something we chase. It appears when we are fully here—open, attentive, and willing to receive what this moment already offers.
Peace and Love, Jim
#nourish #thedailybuddha #tdb
