Path to Joy: 10th of 12 – This Moment
Write it on your heart that each day is the best day in the year. – Ralph Waldo Emerson The Tenth Path to Joy is “This Moment” which is, as Francis Bacon said, “sparkling like a star in our hand.” While researching the concept of ‘time,’ I found a video on how time travel works. Although revisiting the past or imagining the future can be easier than making the most of the moment, here are reasons to stick with what’s actually happening, right now: The present moment is the only one we control Each moment is a gift [because we don’t know how many we have] Staying out of the past and future improves mental, physical and emotional health. Read more. Although piling up time travel frequent flyer miles can be tempting, here’s help for staying present: How to Stay in The Present Moment 4 Tips to Stay in The Present Moment Feel Happy and Stress Free, 7 Steps How Being Present in The Moment Can Increase Well-being: Seek joy and stay safe! A Path to Joy Art Meditation: #10 This Moment Find your eternity in each moment Henry David Thoreau What I like best: The circles contain the numbers one through twelve, as though they are clock faces. Yet they make me think of jellyfish floating forward, effortlessly. Why I like the image: I like how the ‘jellyfish’ suggest that each second can be experienced in many ways, as time drifts, bounces and rolls forward. What the picture teaches: Every second offers many opportunities. The insights gained: These words of wisdom make me smile: The future is always beginning now. Mark Strand The art of life is to live in the present moment, and to make that moment as perfect as we can by the realization that we are the instruments and expression of God. Emmet Fox My last defense / Is the present tense. Gwendolyn Brooks The here and now is all we have, and if we play it right it’s all we’ll need. Ann Richards Note: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. The Illustrated Wisdom: For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Special Short Videos: Coco Chanel and Surfing Big Waves
It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like, “What about lunch?” A.A. Milne From time to time, Succeed and Soar offers two special and very short videos, chosen to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. Video #1: Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born in a poorhouse hospice. Her mother was a laundrywoman. Her father was an itinerant street vendor. At eleven, she was sent to an orphanage founded to care for “the poor and rejected.” There, she learned to sew. In time, Gabrielle became the world-renowned fashion designer who created the first, self-named perfume, Chanel No. 5. Along the way, Gabrielle changed her name to Coco. Life also taught her some valuable lessons, like: The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive. If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing. Click on her picture to see more. Video #2: Surfing is an ancient, Polynesian way of life that was also used to choose leaders. This short video presents those who’ve achieved the skill, self mastery and courage to surf the giant waves. Thrilling. I hope you enjoy. Write me. Let me know what inspired and uplifted you. Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting art to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thing and inspire. Six minutes of no-nonsense, brass tacks, nourishing wisdom. Click on Image or view here: https://youtu.be/3SpINz4gTJs Surfing the Biggest Waves These four minutes repeat from Succeed and Soar’s Einstein Series #18 “You, The Great Teacher.” Click on image or here to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjVDG6Scy4U Weekender Totes Succeed and Soar‘s art is now on chic, 24″x16″ tote bags of soft spun polyester fabric. Sturdy with double-stitched seams and one-inch thick, white cotton handles. Shop All Weekender Tote Bags here. Thanks for your support! Sandra Gould Ford
Path to Joy: 9th of 12 – Where the Stars at Night are Really Big and Bright
I believe very much in the idea of kindness. … It lies at the core of beauty. – Jan Morris One of my happiest memories is of driving around the big island of Hawaii with a Swiss woman who taught me to sing, in German, “The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas!” My goal was to surprise a darling friend made during those six weeks on Hawaii’s eastern side, in the rainy jungle. Karin rehearsed me over and over, insisting that I get the Germanic pronunciation right. Two days ago, I asked my German friend to remind me how to write those words. Thorsten EMailed back at 2am Hamburg time: Die Sterne in der Nacht sind groß und hell, tief im Herzen von Texas! Twenty-plus years after circling Hawaii’s gorgeous coast, I think of the 9th Path to Joy and how we can all be stars in our own worlds while shining big and bright in the lives of others. As Bishop Desmond Tutu said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Benevolence is good will, good wishes and wanting good for others. Beneficence is the joy of putting those intentions into action. Seek joy and stay safe! PS Jan Morris’ full quote is: I believe very much in the idea of kindness. I think kindness is the answer to all our problems. It lies at the core of beauty. Source: Battleship Yamato This Post’s Featured Art, “Beneficence,” An Illustrated Wisdom “Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” Howard Zinn 1922-2010 What I like best about the picture I like the starbursts that, on second thought, look like fireworks. Why Ever since I first saw the Leonid Meteor Showers [behind the screen of a drive-in movie] and saw those shooting stars sprinting across the sky, I’ve understood how spectacular and uplifting unexpected lights in the night can be. Fireworks displays have the same effect. They’re such gifts to the eye the heart and the spirit. They’re so uplifting. So joyful. What does this picture teach me? Shooting stars are natural parts of the universe, just like kindness. How joyful if our lives glittered with lots more. How can these insights lead to joy? I think these words answer best, If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path. — Buddha NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. THE ART: For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Path to Joy: 8th of 12 – Fun & Fascination
Find three hobbies you love: one to earn money, one to stay in shape, and one that allows you to be creative. Anonymous Author Phyllis McGinley said, “A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away.” Winston Churchill advised, “To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real.” What are hobbies? Essentially, they’re work that we do for fun. Along the way, hobbies can sharpen our thinking, enrich our personal-emotional lives and improve health. Why are hobbies important and a Path to Joy? They: Relieve stress by focusing attention on pleasant activities Make us more interesting and build bonds with others Help us grow spiritually and expand mentally Read More Here’s a list of 101 Hobbies to consider this year, which include physical activities, sports, travel, arts and more. For the practical-minded, here are 65 Hobbies That Make Money. If you’re seeking new ways to handle these Stay At Home times, check out these Ten Fun, Quarantine Friendly Hobbies A personal favorite is learning magic tricks. See how to perform The World’s Best Card trick [amazing!] in the video. A Path to Joy Arts Meditation #8: Hobbies What I like best: The multi-colored shooting stars with their fantastical tails. Why I like the image: The many talents and possibilities sailing to the star. What the picture teaches about Hobbies: Each of us is the star of our universe. Like the sun holding our solar system together, hobbies can add to our brightness. The insights gained about the 8th Path to Joy: There’s an old saying: All work and no play makes Jack [and Jill] dull folks. The sun’s shape reminds me to be well-rounded. Beyond the efforts needed for survive, I can thrive by finding time for refreshing challenges and as many enriching, uplifting and inventive possibilities as possible. Hobbies are the work that brighten and lighten life. Musician and artist Graham Coxon said, “My hobby is my job. It’s a jobby.” What a happier world if everyone had jobbies! What joy! NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. THE ART: For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Path to Joy: 7th of 12 – Magnet for Miracles
A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. — Anonymous Every year, the third week of May is International New Friends Old Friends Week. So, why not write old and new friends letters letting them know why and how much you appreciate them because, as this proverb says, There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be! Positive Psychology defines gratitude as, “a positive emotion that serves a biological purpose.” What purpose? Happify Daily reports, “People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.” Read more. Here are more tools and resources for traveling this 7th Path to Joy: The magic of the gratitude letter Download a FREE Gratitude Journal 31 Benefits of Gratitude Why You Need a Gratitude List How to Make Your Own Gratitude Journal Did you know that each year has several friendship celebrations? February is International Friendship Month. The first Sunday in August is National Friendship Day. Women’s Friendship Day is two weeks later. More opportunities for joy! Be sure to view this 3-minute video. This Post’s Featured Art, “Gratitude,” a Visual Meditation To live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven. – Thomas S. Monson What I like best: The hands. The open palms. Why I like the image: I experience joy from the open palms. As the picture formed in my mind, I thought the gathering of hands would suggest wings outspread, taking flight. Now that the picture is done, I like the joy the open hands convey. I smile. My heart gladdens. What the picture teaches: I’m reminded that letting people know how they are appreciated and that what they do is valued [the hearts] can bring joy to both the giver and receiver. The insights gained: Seeing the many hearts being offered so generously, so freely reminds me of these words: We have to fill our hearts with gratitude. Gratitude makes everything that we have more than enough. -Susan L. Taylor There’s always something to be thankful for. If you can’t pay your bills, you can be thankful you’re not one of your creditors. – Unknown Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for. -Zig Ziglar I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. -Gilbert K. Chesterton Celebrate International New Friends Old Friends Week May 17 to 23rd! NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Path to Joy: 6th of 12 – Peace and Good Will
Peace is joy at rest. Joy is peace on its feet. – Anne Lamott Can vigilantes be part of a healthy, flourishing society? For me, the answer is in Ahmaud Arbery’s story. His death reminds that a cure is needed for another kind of COVID-19, the self-appointed judges and juries who then execute other human beings based on verdicts reached in their own minds. This Paths to Joy series has so far been built on values of simplicity, money, words, friendship and generosity. On the 6th Path, individuals can become cures for the Lynch Virus, the dis-ease killing the possibility of safe and harmonious communities. Wouldn’t you agree that when people choose peace, light expands [rather than darkness, distrust and destruction]? Couldn’t a brighter world then grow when individuals approach each other with good will, opportunity-by-opportunity, as best we can. How? Enjoy this beautiful video. Join the song. Sing along with Vince Gill. This Post’s Featured Art, “Peace and Good Will,” A Visual Meditation What do I like best about the picture? The stars in the darkness. Why do I like these things? To me, the stars in the darkness are the presence of light, hope, peace and guidance through turmoil, chaos, danger and [blindness] the inability to see. What does this picture teach me? I can sow light, hope and peace like seeds. How can these insights lead to joy? There is the parable of one who wanted to change the world. Failing that, they tried to change their country, their community then their family. Finally, they understood the only change possible was themselves, so that by individual [my] choices and actions, one [I] can bring peace and good will into the world. NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
2 Special Short Videos
Each month, Succeed and Soar shares little videos, chosen to lift the heart and spirit, awareness and humanity. Please enjoy this post’s two short videos, presented because they’re brief and awesome. Sandra Gould Ford Presenting art to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thing and inspire. Five moments of extraordinary, nourishing wisdom. Click on Image or view here: https://youtu.be/XYmwwfZh_ZQ Two Minutes, 15 Refreshing Views This video repeats from Succeed and Soar’s “Einstein Series” Series [Post 14, Yes, You are A Genius]. The settings are so gorgeous, I had to share again. Click on image or view here: https://youtu.be/vBJ2-75ZUFc . Good News 1. The vibrant and whimsical art from Succeed and Soar’s “Twelve Paths to Joy” series is now installed at Sandra’s Art and Gifts. The art can be purchased as journals, greeting cards, posters, phone cases, duvet covers, shower curtains, tote bags, tee shirts and much more. 2. Updated and fabulously enriched “Twelve Paths to Joy” posts will be published throughout 2022. Enjoy them and prosper! Thanks for shopping and your support! Sandra Gould Ford
Path to Joy: 5th of 12 – Generosity
The heart that gives, gathers. – Tao Te Ching Science has found that generosity of mind and spirit as well as time and money does gift givers a lot of good. Scientific American reported an experiment that studied stinginess. Result: Those who held back experienced heightened shame and cortisol levels. We can also live longer. Read more in The 7 Science-Backed Reasons Why Generosity is Good for Your Health. Research also shows that those who give time and resources with kind intentions are rewarded with dopamine and endorphin surges, the body’s feel-good and happiness chemicals. Read more in The Benefits of Giving Things Away. In 1982, as an antidote for the phrase “random acts of violence and senseless acts of cruelty,” Anne Herbert suggested, “practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” Here are 103 possibilities, which include: Share an overheard compliment. Send people you know notes about why they’re awesome. Leave a big tip. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. Keep in mind, The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self. — Fred Rogers * Face Masks Keep glasses from fogging when wearing face masks.Make a no-sew face mask in five minutes. [NOTE: Instead of a scarf, I cut a fabric square from my quilt stash and sewed down the flaps. Total time: 10 minutes.] Fun! This Post’s Featured Art, “Generosity,” A Visual Meditation What I like best about the picture: The dots. Why: The gold and yellow dots are like gentle sunbeams and rain that shower us freely. The red and white, orange and blue dots are flowers that the rain and sunlight nourish, making life both possible and beautiful. What the picture teaches: Nature is a cycle, a circle of giving and receiving. Both are needed for life to flourish. The insights gained: Rain and sunlight are price-less. From that generosity, freely given, earth can sprout meadows full of flowers so that life is refreshed, beautiful, bountiful and joy is possible. * Take this six-minute trip to Ireland and see how one act of kindness a day can change your life. View video. Generosity, kindness, honesty, humor – makes us truly rich. Waylon Lewis NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. Visit my On-Line Galleries to see more of my art.
Path to Joy: 4th of 12 – Friendship
Getting to know and like people and getting people to know and like you are the two top cards in the game of success. – Source Unknown A true friend doesn’t care if you’re broke, when your house is a mess, what you look like, about your past, or if your family is filled with crazies. A friend can go long periods without speaking and conversations pick up where they left off. They have your back when things go very wrong. They keep their promises and make you want to keep yours. A friend neither leads nor follows but walks with you. What does ‘friend’ mean to you? Is having a friend better than being a friend? In October, 1936, Dale Carnegie published How to Win Friends & Influence People, one of the best-selling books of all time. Here are 30 principles which include: Give sincere appreciation. Try honestly to see things from the other persons point of view. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to. For a free copy of How to Win Friends & Influence People, download the whole book. Also check out: How to Get to Know Someone, 13 Powerful Steps How to Be A Good Friend True friendship is rare [and work]. Don’t you agree: Finding one or two in a lifetime is a Path to Joy. ***** This Post’s Featured Art, “Friendship,” a Visual Meditation What do I like best about the picture? The golden path from bottom to top across the picture and the circles. Why do I like these things? The golden path makes me think of the Milky Way, the river across the sky made of millions of stars. The circles represent people, the 360-degree universes of possibilities each person contains. What does this picture teach? Life can be a journey, a yellow brick road, a golden river that touches [and also bypasses] many opportunities. How can these insights lead to joy? I am glad to be reminded that each person contains vast possibilities. Knowing that I could move beyond ‘acquaintance,’ be a friend and receive another’s friendship once in a while brings joy. NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. THE ART: For more information and to purchase, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Path to Joy: 3rd of 12 – Words
Make yourselves nests of pleasant thoughts. None of us knows what fairy palaces we may build of beautiful thought — proof against all adversity. Bright fancies, satisfied memories, noble histories, faithful sayings, treasure houses of precious and restful thoughts, which care cannot disturb nor pain make gloomy, nor poverty take away from us. John Ruskin 1819-1900 According to neurosurgeon and spiritual teacher Don Miguel Ruiz, each of us live in worlds built by our words. In 1903, James Allen published a pamphlet using Proverbs 23:7 as the title, “As a man thinketh.” The little book opens with, “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts. As the plant springs from, and could not be without, the seed, so every act of a man springs from the hidden seeds of thought … Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits.” Over a century later, Allen’s little book remains among the top five reads for those who motivate and inspire. Download a free copy of As A Man Thinketh. This Post’s Featured Art, “Words,” A Visual Meditation. What I like best about the art: The blue rings that build what I see as a cone-shaped beehive. Why I like the image: I like the serene blue structure because it represents the mind, which can be a beehive of activity. According to Laboratory of Neuro Imaging at the University of Southern California, the mind generates about fifty thoughts each minute or 70,000 per day. I like this beehive because it shows loving, uplifting [butterflies] thought-words rising to the surface. What the picture teaches: Though the golden planet Saturn travels through cold, dark space far from the sun, its fascinating rings teach me to: Set limits on words, spoken and thought, especially about myself and Establish boundaries for the influences of others The insights gained: Yes, life has its shadows. African proverbs and Winston Churchill are credited with saying, “If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.” Author and teacher Sally Kempton adds, “It is hard to fight an enemy who has outposts inside your head.” Joy is a word composed of concepts like happiness, peace, satisfaction, contentment, lightness of being, brightness, smiles, embraces and engagement in nurturing, nourishing, uplifting activities. When these kinds of words and actions are part of life, they pave a path to joy. These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. Shop Sandra’s Online Art Gallery