A Journey Into Joy
Step 12 — Week 5: Home
Step 12 Home We return home before continuing onto the next journey, bearing the treasure that has the power to transform the world as we have been transformed. We are not the same as we were when we began this journey 12 months ago. It’s time to embrace it, celebrate it, and acknowledge how much we’ve grown…bringing us that much closer on our quest into Joy.
For me I plan to continue with the areas covered in the weeks of Step 1 (health, home, The Mandala Lady, and my purpose)
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-12 Week 5: Play
I rarely get to “week 5” with any step because it’s seldom that it works out that way. And I’m so glad it happened for the last week of 2024. Even though I digitally painted this on January 2, earlier this week we were still in December…so it’s okay. Besides…my blog…my rules. 😁
July was the last time I had a fifth week and since then the only playing I’ve really done is with my mandala art…of which I’m grateful however, I know I could do more. Then about two weeks ago, I felt inspired to start playing the piano again. I heard this beautiful piece that looked like it would be something I could easily learn to play. So I’m starting back in with that piece: Passacaglia.
AND…I’m also back playing/practicing the ukulele…simpler pieces with fewer chords and easier finger positioning: Hallelujah and Let It Be. As a matter of fact, at one point, I took a break from writing this post to play on both instruments…not at the same time…it’s usually piano and then the uke.
Oh, and on New Year’s Eve, friends of ours invited us over for game night. Lots of fun and laughter. Yes…more of that please. The hosts did say they want to do more of these…so Yeah!
And on top of all this/that…just today I picked up a script from our local community theater so that I could read it ahead of this Monday’s audition. For me, performing in plays is definitely fun. What I need to do between now and then is create a mindset where the audition is fun as well…whether I get the part or not.
Some of the things I’d like to play with more this year is wire-wrapping, maybe some 3D decorative pieces, calligraphy, glass plate sculptures for the labyrinth/spiral in the front yard, and maybe some tree-limb sculptures for it as well. If Gerry can finish replacing the fence, I could play with some painting ideas I have. Of course, it would be best if I finished some of the others that I’ve started (patio wall and garage doors). Also, I’d like to do more performing: plays, improv, and/or open mics.
Overall, my goal/plan is to incorporate more fun and playtime into my life…especially as things on a more global level are nothing short of bat-sh#t crazy!
And with that, I conclude my year-long journey into joy. I’m definitely in a much better place today than I was last year at this time as well as there being some room for improvement. For 2025 my theme is “Let There Be Peace”…within. So my colorings and postings will have a different look and feel this year…starting January 7, 2025.
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
🏵️ creating mandalas — awakening inner harmony
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 