Pause: Awaken Joy
My father, Mendek Rubin, was a joy gatherer. In his quest to break free from decades of unrelenting depression and live a happy life, he constantly searched the world for things that sparked his delight. He especially loved beautiful music, young children, and nature—blossoming flowers, trees, the ocean, and colorful sunsets—which he wrote about and photographed. I know his joy-gathering strategy worked, because he became one of the most cheerful and peaceful people I have ever known.
Mendek’s photo of a sunset view from his Carmel Valley home
When I do today's lovely micro-meditation—“Awaken Joy”—joy comes rushing in, and I think of my dad. I find it amazing how taking just a little time for positive reflection can change the flavor of an entire day, much like a favorite spice can transform an ordinary dish into something extra-delicious.
With so many things competing for our attention, taking less than two minutes to awaken delight may be one of the simplest and most nourishing gifts we can give ourselves. As my father wrote, “When my mind, heart, and soul choose that which is pleasant and good, I am sending messengers out into the world that make both me and the world more loving and joyful.”
Tiny pauses to be right here, right now can have big results. Visit and bookmark our library of thirty-four Take a Moment micro-meditations—all under two minutes long—that make taking mindful pauses as easy as possible. We invite you to "Take a Moment" to find the calm that is always within you.
