I've landed on a mantra for my seasonal intention:

I share my friendship with peaceful folks.

I offer compassion to those who suffer.

I grow my joy among folks of virtue.

I give nothing of myself to the wicked.

Inspired by Yoga Sutra 1.33

You can read Vivekananda's translation of Sutra 1.33 through Internet Archive, and some other translations through Yoga Sutra Study. I want to be clear that this is not my translation or interpretation of Yoga Sutra 1.33, but rather a personal mantra inspired by it.

Summer (Estate), represented as a robed woman bearing a horn of plenty, a spandrel-shaped composition from "The Four Seasons" by Cherubino Alberti (Zaccaria Mattia), ca. 1570–1615. Public domain, obtained by the Met.

THE PART ABOUT JOY

The Sutras, and I think yoga philosophy in general, offer to us an approach that is based in equanimity, in that we shouldn't allow ourselves to feel attached to negative or positive feelings. Because it is our nature to cling to what is good and reject what is bad, yogic teachings ask practitioners to be aware of how these patterns show up for us so that we may be better able to steady our mind and spirit, in times of both difficulty and ease.

I think it's clear why we don't want to become attached to negative feelings, so the more difficult teaching is really about the opposite—a concept that reminds me of the fifth klesha, abhinivesha, clinging to life. The philosophers tell us that because everything is impermanent—especially feelings, moods, and circumstances—when we cling to positive feelings, we're bound to be disappointed, so it's best not to set ourselves up for failure and suffering.

"Pleasures from external objects

are wombs of suffering, Arjuna.

They have their beginnings and their ends;

no wise man seeks joy among them."

—Bhagavad Gita, 5.22

Mitchell, Stephen. (2000). Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation. Harmony Books, New York.

THE MEANING OF JOY

Yet the texts of yoga philosophy, and indeed most, if not all, ancient philosophical and religious texts, were written from the perspective of highly privileged folks—men of certain caste or class—and I wonder if joy might have meant something different to them.

Which makes me think: it's worth reflecting on what joy means to each of us individually. To me joy is not flashy; joy is not smiling big or laughing loudly; joy is not a bubbly, outgoing personality. Someone doesn't have to look or act "joyful" to be full of joy. Instead, when I think of joy, I think of a deep feeling of contentment and ease, gratitude and excitement for life, and an unshakeable confidence which doesn't come from disregard for others but from connection to a clear inner path and fire. Here I am thinking of joy less as a feeling and more as a "state of being," requiring serious dedication and practice until it becomes easier and more instinctual to access, the same as yoga.

"Everyone has volition, a strong motivation that fuels us and, when it's a healthy one, brings us joy."

—Thich Nhat Hanh

Hanh, Thich Nhat. (2014). No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering. Parallax Press, California.

THE WORK OF JOY

We might try picturing joy as something like a garden—to witness the beauty is not an effortless thing. We might first come across this fulfilling type of joy by accident, but hopefully we notice and appreciate it, and that alone takes effort. We might seek to recreate our own little joy, so we research, plan, and prepare. Then comes the work of planting seeds or seedlings in just the right place, feeding our joy, keeping pests away, et cetera. Lots of trial and error, lots of purpose and intention, maybe even doubt or worry...continue your own lengthy joy-garden metaphor!

***

Not to be a stoic or ascetic, but this quote really spoke to me:

"The most profound joy has more of severity than gaiety in it. The highest and fullest contentment offers more of the grave than of the merry."

—Montaigne

Montaigne, Michel de. (1595) 2022. “We Taste Nothing Pure.” Translated by Charles Cotton. HyperEssays.net. February 14, 2022. https://hyperessays.net/essays/book/II/chapter/20/

Maybe that sounds too intense or dramatic (and maybe it is!) but there is an important relationship between joy, passion, and discipline which I think gets dismissed in favor of what's easy or fast. Modern western society would tell us that joy is purchased, consumed—much like "self-care"—and it's easy to fall for this because time and energy are limited. But take a moment to consider, what brings you true, deep joy?

Reflection questions:

How does it relate to what you are passionate about?

Does it require work, effort, or discipline?

How might severity or gravity appear in that effort, or in the experience of joy itself?

THE GUILT OF JOY

Lately, for me, a serious gravity to the experience of joy is this overhanging feeling of guilt. How can I allow myself to feel joy when there are so many people suffering? Is it wrong for me to celebrate all that is good when there is so much evil in the world?

There is a very trendy take on social media right now which is joy as resistance, but my feeling is that this sentiment, like that of self-care, has been co-opted by the privileged people it was never meant to address. I understand: Black joy as resistance. Queer & trans joy as resistance. When I apply my own identities though, it's kinda ick.

So rather than confuse myself or get lost in a downward spiral, I try my best to honor a broader intention of "joy as resistance" and the Yoga Sutras, which is: don't let the oppressor (within and without) win. Coming back to my mantra, if I focus on sharing my joy with virtuous people, we can support and uplift each other in a way that is energizing, activating, focused, and a big fuck-you to oppressive systems.

This also means, especially as a person who holds privilege, recognizing that I, too, play the role of oppressor. So when the guilt comes, when I'm peering into the downward spiral, I remind myself: I'm safe...and that's a lot of emotion for safe. (Thank you, Trixie Mattel, for this quote I hear in my head everyday.)

"Instead of throwing good energy away on condemning yourself or obsessing over what catastrophes might be lurking around the corner, you can simply be present with the real suffering that is right in front of you, with what is happening right now. ...Suffering is there, yes; but what is also there is that you are still alive... ."

—Thich Nhat Hanh

Hanh, Thich Nhat. (2014). No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering. Parallax Press, California.

I grow my joy among folks of virtue

Being in community with folks who are honest, good, ethical, and happy can be invigorating and relaxing all at once.

Here are some high-level ways to practice this part of the mantra:

• When a good person does a good thing, celebrate them.

• Seek inspiration from folks who have been doing good work for a while and, if you can, compensate them financially (ex: many BIPOC in particular share their knowledge and experiences for free).

• Connect with folks who support a cause you're passionate about and just chat with them.

• Take time to reflect on where you source your joy, and consider whether these sources are in alignment with your passions and principles.

• Do kind things for the righteous people in your life.

"When a group comes together and commits to practicing mindfulness together—breathing together, walking together, doing some kind of good work together to lessen the suffering in the world—this is positive, collective action that can be very powerful."

—Thich Nhat Hanh

Hanh, Thich Nhat. (2014). No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering. Parallax Press, California.

Practical Ideas

If crafting & writing bring you joy:

• Mail a handmade card expressing your gratitude and admiration to a person who does community work, activism, organizing, etc.

• Make zines with friends for a cause to distribute at local businesses, libraries, and community events.

If nature brings you joy:

• Organize an outdoor hang with your ethical homies doing the things you like, such as: watching clouds, doing yoga, picking flowers, being in the water.

• If you garden, offer seeds, cuttings, or harvested goodies to appreciative folks.

If reading & learning bring you joy:

• Find an inspirational figure in a field you are passionate about—someone you haven't heard of, or know very little about—and dive into their life: read their works, biographies, documentaries, etc.

• Join a local or virtual book club.

These are just a few examples. There are countless ways we can spread our joy with folks of good character. Will you share some ideas in the comments??

If you feel or have felt similarly to what I've expressed here, you might enjoy this poem, "Don't Hesitate" by Mary Oliver:

"[One] who finds peace and joy

and radiance within [oneself]—

that [person] becomes one with [the divine]

and vanishes into [its] bliss."

—Bhagavad Gita, 5.24

(I've rephrased to remove gendered and theistic language.)

Mitchell, Stephen. (2000). Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation. Harmony Books, New York.

This summer, I hope you gather your joy, sow it among the right folks (i.e. people who give a shit), and that we all inch closer to peace and freedom together.

~Taylor (she/her)