It’s “time” to send out a newsletter and I’ve been struggling with what I can write that might have value for you. I had a Zoom conversation this morning with a woman in London who said what she most wants to know now is how to find joy in the midst of the pandemic and cancer treatments. She’s worried whether her upcoming scan will show that her chemo is stopping the progression of her cancer. She is in “lockdown” and feels there is nothing she can do to meet her needs for connections with people, or activities to inspire or recreate.
My guess is that she isn’t the only person with these concerns. One of the strategies that was used to achieve remissions from cancer in Radical Remission, by Kelly A. Turner, was “having more joy in your life.” That can be a challenge any time in life, but during the pandemic joy can be even more elusive. Many of my old strategies – travel, workshops, concerts, movies, theater, and dinner with friends – are off the table. So what can I do within the limitations of the pandemic to experience joy?
Since an outside world is touted as being safer than inside with others, the natural world has become a big source of joy for me. During my daily walks in my neighborhood I notice the blueness of the sky, the artistry of the clouds, and the nightly noisy gathering of the cormorants and snowy white egrets in the trees next to the lake that is across the street.
Twice a week I play Pickle ball outside with a group of friends. Again, there is joy in just being outside, but being active, developing a skill, and being with other people all contribute to the enjoyment. Rather than focusing on competitiveness in playing the game, we are able to laugh at our foibles. Anything that stimulates laughter increases my joy.
Although in-person gatherings with friends are the best, I’ve discovered intimacy, connection, and bonding in Zoom gatherings. I have several groups that I meet with on a regular basis – a writing group, a meditation group, a book study group, and a spiritual growth group.
In addition to providing connection with other people, some of these groups are also focused on learning something new. Learning has always been a source of joy for me, that has been accentuated during the pandemic. I’ve watched more docuseries, TED talks, and YouTubes of late-night host monologues (another source of laughter).
My love of reading has been reactivated since I have more time to do it. I’ve been reading memoirs as I’ve gotten immersed in writing my cancer memoir. I was disappointed when I recently got to the end of Untamed, by Glennon Doyle. I was enjoying feeling part of her life and hated to see it end.
A daily reading of spiritual inspiration helps connect me with my Source and puts me in a more joyful mood. I read both The Daily Word, and a page in The Book of Awakening, by Mark Nepo, daily.
Music can change my mood in a minute. It can help me express melancholy, and can make me dance around the living room. It can elicit joy or sadness – my choice, depending on what music I play. I love the oldies. Johnny Mathis for melancholy or the Beatles for dancing.
I rescued a cat shortly after the pandemic started. She was 9 years old and her paperwork said she is needy, and doesn’t like children or other pets. Perfect for me. She gives me someone to talk to and her warm body snuggling next to mine definitely brings me joy.
If you have other ideas for increasing joy during the pandemic, please share them in the comments section below.
If you resonate with wanting to connect with others or wanting to learn something new, consider joining our next book group. In March we will be starting another book group, reading The Story You Need to Tell: Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness, or Loss, by Sandra Marinella. You can get more information and register here.