Living Joy Archive
What is it that we are feeling when we feel joy?
As part of the AnthropoloJOY project we invite you to contribute your own insights. See the collection of responses below and fill out the submission form to share your own.
Below are some prompts that may or may not be helpful:
- Where or how do you find joy?
- What does joy feel like to you?
- What does joy mean to you?
- What has made you feel joyful this week? Provide a picture of something that represents joy for you.
Note – no personal data will be stored aside from your first name and general location. If you have included any personal identifiers besides your first name and general location with your submission (e.g., last name, contact details, identifiable photo) the Principal Investigator will remove these so that no other personal data is held by the project. If you do not want your first name to appear with your submission, please choose a pseudonym or submit anonymously (without a name).
Your participation is entirely voluntary. By clicking the ‘Submit’ button below, you confirm that you are over 16 and that you consent to participate in this study as it is described in the participant information sheet, which you can download here.
Yohantha
There are many ways in which I find joy.
Sometimes, it is simply sitting in silence, fully present in the moment. Sometimes, it is being in nature and feeling connected with it. Sometimes, it is offering my help and support to people or animals who are in need. Sometimes, it is sharing what I have with others. Sometimes, it is quietly sending good wishes to people in distant corners of the world whom I may never meet. And sometimes, it is simply recognizing the loving-kindness and compassion that others bring into the world. Perhaps the deepest joy comes from knowing that I was able to make someone’s path a little easier. Even a small act of kindness, a moment of support, or a simple gesture that lightens another person’s difficult day give so much joy.
Constança
One day, while visiting a village in Northern Mozambique, some of the women asked whether they could braid my hair. Very few white women visit these communities, and although some villagers occasionally see white men working at the nearby mine, many had never met a woman with my skin colour and long hair.
One of the women carefully braided my hair. Later, another woman took the braid in her hands and began examining it with great concentration. Soon children and adults gathered around, looking closely, touching it gently, commenting and laughing. She turned the braid over and over, trying to understand this curious thing that seemed to emerge from my hair.
We did not share a common language, yet we understood one another perfectly.
What I remember most is the atmosphere of wonder. Nobody was teaching. Nobody was helping. Nobody was trying to change anybody else. We were simply people fascinated by one another.
For me, joy often appears in moments like this, when difference becomes curiosity rather than distance. There was laughter, tenderness and a sense of mutual discovery.
And perhaps there was something else too: dignity. The dignity of meeting one another openly, with respect and genuine interest. In that moment, joy felt like a celebration of our shared humanity.
Sally
At the river this morning early, my joy was in doing Qi Gung first thing in light drizzle – it felt amazingly peaceful and joyous in equal measure. The neighbours have got me marked down as nuts! Obviously.
Chris F.
A lot of things bring me joy- the simple things – seeing my kids happy, laughing with friends and family, the smile on my husbands face, fresh air, birds singing, watching sports, seeing people succeed and doing what they want, and my pets that offer unconditional love and affection!
Dan
Some moments of joy take up permanent residence in memory. I remember this Christmas Eve morning at a secluded Zen temple in the outskirts of Kyoto. After meditation in the zendo I came out to these giant fluffy snowflakes falling in silence. I wish I could share the video with you here too!
David
Green spaces in my yard.
Hiroko
Simple soups, single sprigs of dill, and ancestral strains of Japanese black rice.
Dan
I’m recently finding joy in my partner’s extravagant brunch plate creations and wondering how best to honor it: support my partner in sharing these dishes further, such as by opening a cafe? Learn together how to cook for large groups of people, especially in times of crisis. Or just eat!