Generating Joy
As I look out my window I often have a mountain view but today I see dense fog and only the tall evergreens near our home offer any variety in scenery. It's beautiful. These days always hits me as magical and mystical. My curiosity gets stirred up around possibilities as I feel myself readying for the season of dreams. I am finishing up projects, pruning here and there, planting spring bulbs and nestling the plants in for the winter. And, of course, baking sourdough bread and making nourishing soup.
Generating Joy was published yesterday and I've had a big, juicy exhale. Could I have gone over it again and again and again. Sure. But there comes a time when ‘good enough’ needs to be embraced and that time is now, for me, with this project. I’d like to share this passage from the book because it fits how I feel today.
In the serene, untouched landscapes of Norway and Finland, where the air is fresh and the forests carry the wisdom of the ancients, a deep connection to nature infuses everyday life. Rooted in reverence for the natural world, the Nordic way celebrates simplicity and presence, inviting us to rediscover the beauty of slowing down and savoring life as it unfolds.
Wandering through the lands, we are reminded of our place within the great whole. In these tranquil spaces, we pause, breath deeply and allow the beauty of the moment to settle into our bones.
This philosophy encourages us to embrace friluftsliv - the joy of open-air living - and sisu - the quiet, unyielding strength that lies within. It teaches us that true fulfillment isn't found the relentless chase of achievement but in the mindful, meaningful connection we cultivate with each day. Here, productivity becomes more than just crossing off tasks; it's about being present, fully engaged with the flow of life and the energy around us.
These guiding principles encourage us to find balance in our pursuits, to seek fulfillment in the simple pleasures of life and to cultivate a sense of inner resilience in the face of challenges. Through the Danish concept of hygge, we crate spaces that nurture us, welcoming stillness, connection and warmth into our homes and hearts.
By aligning ourselves with nature's rhythms, we remember that we, too, are part of these cycles of rest and renewal. Like the turning of seasons, we honor our own phases of growth, allowing ourselves to ebb and flow with ease.
In weaving these Nordic practices into our lives - slowing down, savoring simplicity and embracing presence - we embark on a journey back to ourselves. With each step we take in nature's embrace, we reclaim our connection to the earth and to ourselves, finding solace, inspiration and joy in the beauty of the world around us.
May you be the beauty that exists all around and within you.
I find that as I embrace this aspect of life more deeply, the many projects I do are infused with more joyful intentionality and less with the stressful energy of functional productivity. I'm not less productive than I was but it feels less stressful and more purposeful and I can be more relaxed about everything,
If you’re interested in a copy of the book, I encourage you to have your local bookstore order it in for you. Support local! But yes, all the usual online channels will have it too. Enjoy!
