Paradox

"Where the light is brightest, the shadows are deepest."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

There are two ways in which I use Instagram - one is to post a photograph which appears on my page until I take it down, the other is to add to 'my story' and the post will appear for a day - but requires more effort to both see it and 'like' it.  So, when my 'Blue Skies - Happy Earth Day' story on Wednesday draws little attention and no comments I am unsure as to whether it just wasn't that noteworthy, or if in some way I have made an error of judgement and that a 'Happy Earth Day' is the very last thing the world was having on Wednesday and that somehow my enjoyment of it has instantly rendered me less empathic.

Looking for evidence to the contrary, I took the book 'Braving the Wilderness' by Brené Brown down off the shelf and discovered that for the second week in a row I, (and now you) have inadvertently stumbled into the realm of Carl Jung's psychology, and that the paradox that I have just experienced is apparently one of my "most valuable spiritual possessions... that only the paradox comes anywhere near to comprehending the fullness of life".

Brown argues that not only is it possible to stay awake to the struggle in the world, fighting for justice and peace, whilst simultaneously cultivating moments of joy but that it is imperative that we do so, because joy matters. "We can't give what we don't have."

By chance (or not?) I picked up a half read book this week, that I haven't opened in over a year, and happened upon a very similar sentiment "We must inhale to exhale, must receive what sustains us if we are to have anything to give."*

It is OK that I am drinking in the blue skies marvelling at their hue in the absence of vapour trails, smiling at the fact that the sea turtles are laying more eggs on the now quieter beaches, seeing hope in the abrupt changes to human habits that were unforeseen such a short time ago and choosing to call it a 'happy' day.  It is more than OK, it is essential.

Joy is infectious.  The snapshots that my friend has chosen to share on her Instagram stories this week - her beautiful smile in her lovely new dress, her and her husband's laughter whilst completing what I think is a 'Tik-Tok' challenge (without really knowing what 'Tik-Tok' is) have brought smiles and laughter to my house... and perhaps a gauntlet for me and mine to have a go!

The bad times still exist, I am still struggling to cope with the reality of social distancing being extended for the foreseeable future, and in some form or another into the future beyond that, but I nurture my soul when I feed from the moments of delight.  Especially pertinent in my birthday week, when there is cake to be baked.

"If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate.  Give in to it.  There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be.  We are not wise, and not very often kind.  And much can never be redeemed.  Still, life has some possibility left.  Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world.  It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins.  Anyway, that's often the case.  Anyway, whatever it is, don't be afraid of its plenty.  Joy is not made to be a crumb".
Mary Oliver

* What We Ache For - by Oriah