A Journey Into Joy
Step 3 — Week 1: The Refusal
Step 3 has us looking at what makes us turn away from “the call” we established in Step 2.
With this step, it’s time to look at the fears, disbeliefs, a sense of inadequacy, or plain unwillingness to make the sacrifices that are require…in other words: basically anything that keeps us from answering “the call” in some area (or areas) of our life (work, health, relationships, personal, leisure, play, and so on). For me I plan to continue with the areas covered in the weeks of Step 1.
To join in on the journey, visit the MandalaoftheMonth.com to download the mandala and learn more about this step.
Here’s my journal entry for step 3–week 1: Health
When it comes to my physical health my refusal has more to do with my “unwillingness to make the sacrifices that are required”. To return to a healthy weight it’s going to require changes to how and what I eat…along with any limiting beliefs I have about weight. I mostly fear the low glycemic effect when I eat less food. Over the last two years I’ve made a conscious effort to cut back on sugar and limit processed foods…both of which triggered my hypoglycemia…a condition that feels awful and triggers anger issues…my husband will attest.
On an emotional level, I have this deep-rooted fear that there’s not going to be enough food. And somehow 2023 that became even stronger thus contributing to the 25 extra pounds I gained last year alone.
As for the blood pressure and cholesterol issues, I know they would be helped by eliminating the excess weight. My doctor suggests I start taking medication for both conditions. My issue here is that I hate being on drugs. I tend to be hypersensitive to drugs and their side effects…not to mention the thought of having to be on drugs for the rest of my life. Yes, I know the potential dangers of both issues if left untreated. That’s what makes facing this so difficult for me.
Just last week another limiting belief of mine came to light: as you age your body falls apart. Early last year I was very aware of me turning 70 in October. Looking back now, I realize that that’s about the time my weight started going up, up, up. So now I need to create a new belief: I age healthy and strong (or something to that effect).
When it comes to my mental health, my fears of bringing up (and dealing with) old wounds contribute to my “refusal” to heal my anxiety, self-esteem, and self-confidence issues. I also fear that whatever I do to heal, will not work. And yet I know that looking back on my progress over the years, I am so far ahead of where I used to be. I guess at 70, I’m so tired of having to deal with yet more shit. To which my inner voice tells me…it’s a life-long process…get over it…and as I get over it, I can help other people get over theirs.
In both my physical and mental health, I know a lot of my refusal is about being comfortable with the way things are…where’s the joy in that? If I truly want joy in my life, I need to turn and face “the call”.
That’s it for now,
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
inspiring and encouraging creativity, curiosity, and play through the art of mandalas
ABOUT “A JOURNEY INTO JOY”
With all the anxiety and stress in the world right now, focusing on joy may seem a bit counterintuitive. Mais contraire mes amis. We actually need more joy in our lives…now more than ever. And it starts within each of us. It’s been my experience that when in that higher vibrational state of joy, it helps raise the vibration of those around us as well.
Brené Brown defines joy as “an intense feeling of deep spiritual connection, pleasure, and appreciation”. Of late, I mostly experience only moments of happiness and on a rare occasion, joy…thus my desire to journey into joy.
My quest throughout this year is to explore, experience, and express this state in a variety of ways, including following a variation of the hero’s journey, as professed by Jospeh Campbell.
Care to join me? Here’s how…
MandalaoftheMonth.com: On the first of the month, I’ll create and post a mandala for coloring. Each month we’ll take another step along the “journey into joy” by following a modified version Joseph Campbell’s a hero’s journey. Included in each step will be a description of the step and prompts for coloring and/or journaling for the month. You’re welcome to color them as well…they’re free to download.
MandalaoftheWeek.com: Each Monday I’ll be posting my coloring of that month’s Mandala of the Month, which will produce 4-5 colorings of that design. With each one, I intend to dig deeper into the message of that month’s mandala. You’re welcome to color along as well.
Mandala of the Week 