30 Rituals (Ways) to be Joyful in the Midst of Sadness

Joy and sadness are not mutually exclusive. Often times our days possess a combination of both joy as well as sadness.  This is normal.  We live in trying times.  We live in tumultuous times.  Trying to take the unpleasantness out of life is just as futile as attempting to live a life of unremitting happiness.

Contentment comes from a frame of mind, from a perspective, from singing and dancing inwardly regardless of how unfavorable the circumstances.

Choose several of the rituals/suggestions from this list, take it easy, go slow, don’t overwhelm yourself, a life well lived is a journey not a destination.

1. Sing.
2. Dance.
3. Take daily walks.
4. Spend as much time in nature as possible.
5. Listen to the sounds of nature (i.e. the birds chirping, the leaves rustling, the wind blowing, the creek flowing).
6. Do acts of kindness for others.
7. Allow others to do act of kindness for you.
8. Pray.
9. Meditate.
10. Make rituals part of your life.
11. Contemplate the meaning of the word “joy.”
12. Say the phrase “joy amidst sadness” as a mantra.
13. Smile when your alone.
14. Smile when your with others.
15. Wish yourself a good day.
16. Wish a total stranger a good day.
17. Get adequate rest.
18. Get adequate exercise.
19. Eat a healthy diet.
20. Associate with people who are good to you.
21. Go swimming a play in the water.
22. Play in the snow.
23. Watch children play.
24. Volunteer.
25. Listen to pleasant music.
26. Read something inspiration.
27. Write something inspiration.
28. Call or write a friend or relative you haven’t spoken to for awhile.
29. Plant a flower garden (or at least smell one).
30. Do something meaningful.

While there is nothing on this list which eliminates feeling sad, every ritual on the list is intended to increase our joy regardless of the difficulty we may be experiencing.  Hardship is part of life.  Learning to be with our sadness makes  our lives meaningful.  Learning be joyful in the midst of sadness makes our lives lovely.