Hey everyone,

This past week has been incredibly heavy for me, as I said goodbye to my father. It's a profound loss, and honestly, navigating this grief feels like walking through a thick fog sometimes. In moments like these, it can feel impossible to find any light, to feel anything but the weight of sorrow. But you know what? It's precisely in these really tough times that the ideas we talk about here become more than just concepts; they become vital lifelines. So this week, I want to share some thoughts on how we can actually clear the path for present joy, even when life throws its absolute hardest curveballs at us.

When we're going through something incredibly difficult, it's so easy for our world to shrink. Our focus narrows, and we can get completely consumed by the pain, the sadness, or the challenges right in front of us. It's like putting on blinders, and while that's a natural human response, it can sometimes keep us from seeing the wider reality, the subtle beauty, or even the unexpected moments of peace that are still present.

I was at the funeral home and right there, smack in the middle of everything, was this huge bird cage full of bright, tropical birds! It was honestly so out of place, almost like something you'd see in a dream. But seeing those amazing colors and hearing their little chirps? It was like this tiny, unexpected ray of sunshine breaking through all the sadness. It just reminded me that even in the darkest, most somber places, you can still find life, beauty, and a different kind of peace.

This is about expanding our awareness. It's about gently widening our gaze, even when our minds want to narrow. It's about allowing ourselves to notice the unexpected, the subtle, the things that might seem out of place but can offer a moment of respite or a shift in perspective. It's not about denying the pain; it's about making space for more than just the pain. It's about recognizing that our experience is always bigger than just the immediate challenge.

So, here's something to think about: Can you recall a recent moment, perhaps one where you felt overwhelmed or stuck, where something unexpected caught your attention and briefly shifted your focus? What happened when you allowed your awareness to expand, even just for a moment?

This brings us to a really powerful idea: Your satisfaction happens in the moment, and it's actually independent of anything outside of you. I know, that sounds pretty radical, especially when you're hurting. But what it means is this: you don't need perfect circumstances, or for everything to be "fixed," to start feeling better. Your capacity for joy and satisfaction is right here, right now, inside you.

This is the incredible power of the present moment. It's about truly understanding that "Right now is better than where I want to be" because all your power to choose satisfaction and joy exists in this very moment. You don't have to wait for some future condition to be met. It's not about denying your feelings or pretending everything's okay when it's not. It's about recognizing that even when you're deep in pain, you still have the ability to seek out tiny moments of peace, connection, or simple beauty. You don't have to wait for the whole storm to pass to find a quiet harbor within yourself.

So, consider this: How does embracing your own responsibility for finding satisfaction right now empower you, especially when things feel completely overwhelming?

Okay, so how do we actually do this? How do we actively choose satisfaction, especially when it feels like it's hiding from us? By consciously collecting what I like to call "Joy Beads." These are those small, precious moments of beauty, connection, or simple pleasure that are always present, if we just open our eyes and look for them.

This isn't about waiting for joy to randomly hit you; it's about mindful savoring:

• Actively Look: Make it a little game to actively hunt for "Joy Beads." What looks wonderful around you right now? What sounds beautiful? What feels comforting? What tastes delightful? What smells amazing? Really engage all your senses.

• Dive In: When you spot a "Joy Bead," practice pausing. Don't just rush past it. Fully immerse yourself in that experience. Notice the physical sensations that bubble up, the emotions that stir within you. Let it really land.

• Acknowledge & Appreciate: Even a silent "Thank you" or a mental "Oh, this is a Joy Bead!" can deepen the experience and help you really remember it.

Your Practice This Week: I'm challenging you to consciously collect and savor at least 3-5 "Joy Beads" every single day. Even amidst my own grief, I'm finding myself doing this – the warmth of a cup of coffee, the quiet purr of my cat, a fleeting moment of sunshine. These small acts of presence are not trivial; they are profound acts of self-care and a testament to your inherent capacity for joy, no matter what you're going through.

With so much love,

JP Adkins, Freedom Jedi