The Capacity for Joy

“There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty

of  being happy.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

I saw this video a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. Not for the exercise benefits of taking the stairs, which I get and support of course, but for the human capacity for joy.

I love the playful spirit, fun, and joy the people have — that all people have. Sometimes, it just gets buried. The tasks of day-to-day living, the chores and responsibilities of life can get in the way, but it is always right there, under the surface.

To me, experiencing  joy and fun IS one of life’s great responsibilities. It is not only your right, but your duty to love this life you have been given. Don’t wait for someone to put a piano keyboard on the stairs in front of you. Make your own fun and joy every day. Play as if your life depends on it, because when push comes to shove, it does.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

In Pursuit of Happiness

Sunset near Kalbarri National Park
Creative Commons License photo credit: mark i geo

This post is dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, Craig Tufts. He taught me so much about nature and wildlife, and was so full of joy and life.  He was a man that knew how to live and to share joy with others — the best sort of man. My thoughts and love are with Jean and his family.

Gather up your telegrams
Your faded pictures, best laid plans
Books and postcards, 45′s
Every sunset in the sky

Carry with you maps and string, flashlights
Friends who make you sing
And stars to help you find your place
Music, hope and amazing grace

Maybe what we leave
Is nothing but a tangled little mystery
Maybe what we take
Is nothing that has ever had a name

- Mary Chapin Carpenter

I couldn’t have said it better myself. Slow down. Live your life to the fullest. Laugh until you can hardly breath.  Increase your capacity for joy. Enjoy the feeling of the breeze on your face. Focus on experiences and people versus things and labels. Wiggle your toes in the sand and mud. Unplug and PLAY. Jump for joy, and pass it on.

In your pursuit of happiness you have to remember that it’s always there inside of you. Even on days you scarcely believe it possible. Sometimes, you just have to kick off your shoes and look for it.

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go feel the sun on my face and walk barefoot through the grass.

See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru

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