When did you last feel like this?
Posted by Robin Easton
WHEN DID YOU LAST FEEL LIKE THIS? – A tiny 1:46 video about JOY.
(IF THE VIDEO IS BUFFERING: Hit pause and wait for it to fully load while you read the text, and then come back and watch it. That way you won’t watch it in “starts and stops”. Enjoy, Robin.)
Dear Friends, I would love to hear about the last time you experienced unbridled joy. When was the last time you did something you enjoyed SO MUCH that you completely forgot yourself and became the moment? Is it something you do often? If not, why?
When the rain started there were two little boys on the trampoline, but by the time I got my video camera only one remained. The other returned later, but the rain was falling so hard It was too loud to film. I am again reminded that when we consciously claim our simple moments of joy we create a grand and fully lived life.
There are many things I do that give me this feeling of joy, but recently I went roller skating. I love it and hope to have another short video clip in future of me gliding around the rink. I look forward to your stories and sharings.
True religion is real living; living with all one’s soul…”
~ Albert Einstein
Live fully my dear friends.
Love,
Robin
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This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
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38 Comments so far...
Eric S. Says:
3 March 2009 at 9:40 pm.
He does look like he’s enjoying himself. Gosh, I can remember times as a child when my brothers and I would “walk the creek”. Mom used to get so mad at us, because it entailed walking IN the creek the whole time. Funny how much fun things like that were.
Robin replies
Dear Eric, I find this creek walking very heart warming. Have you done it since? When I was a kid we (me and my 5 siblings) used to walk the the creek as well and we would become wonderfully soaked as well. Did you look for salamanders? We did, and crayfish. It was all exciting and such a sense of discovery. I know what you mean about things like this being so much fun. I will still walk a creek; it’s not enough for me to stand on the bank. I have to get my feet muddy and wet and cold. 
Next time you walk a creek let me know. Remember, we are NEVER to old to walk a creek.
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Nick Grimshawe Says:
4 March 2009 at 12:07 am.
Hi Robin,
I must say that I feel that joy a lot. The last time was on a walk just a few days ago. The sun lit up the fields and played shadows with the clouds across the mountains. Then through the sunshine it rained, and we saw a rainbow stretch from one mountain to another. I felt that deep inward sense of peace, serenity and joy just at being a witness to so much splendor.
Its a great question.
I am looking forward to the response.
Nick
Robin replies
Dear Nick, I KNOW you feel this feeling a lot. It is so alive in you. I feel it every time I visit your site, as I’m sure do your other readers. I could actually picture your sun and shadows across the mountains. I love when clouds cast shadows that drift across the land. I find it particularly beautiful. Oh and what a gift you were given, a full rainbow from mountain to mountain. I LOVE things like that and become as excited today as I did as a kid. It’s akin to finding part of a robin’s egg shell in the spring, right after the baby birds have hatched. Nick, thank you for seeing the world around you. In your acknowledgment of it you increase the joy in the Universe. And of course you spread it around everywhere you go.
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gene Says:
4 March 2009 at 4:35 am.
Hi Robin
Long time no see!!
Glad to see you’re still here!
To be honest, I can’t really recall the last time I experience unbridled joy.. Sure I have moments of joy that last a few minutes, but nothing so exciting and joyful that I forgot all about the outside influences in life..
I think in today’s life we just don’t have time, or we are so involved in making other people happy that we completely forget about ourselves,
Hope you’re doing well there, you’re winter almost over??? 
Here our summer is getting closer to ending, we have a few hot days, but nothing so serious that I wish for Winter
Missed reading your blog, but I will return more often, now that I have more time!
Keep well,
Gene aka Phoenix aka ‘He that is not a she’ !!! LOL
Robin replies
My dear old friend, He who is not a SHE. LOL!!! So great to see you here. Aaah, yes you are heading into winter. Once again we will soon trade our season. I will send you winter in trade for summer. But you will have had the heat for 6 months so I think it is a fair thing that I have it now for 6 months. I promise I will send it back to you when the time comes. Just as we have done for a few season now.
I understand how hectic life can be these days. For many, it can feel a constant battle to slow down and connect with loved ones and ourselves. Something I am learning is to not only SEE the simple moments of joy, but to CLAIM the simple things that make me smile. We can take so much for granted. A sunrise, sunset, a tree, a flower, our ability to see the sky, our ability to hear and speak. The more I claim the seeminly simple things the bigger they become, the more they become ME. I wish you more moments of unbridled joy. It’s who you are. I mean look at you; you even laughed at my old joke about “HE who is not a SHE”. That made me SO happy. It STILL does!!! LOL!!! And I was SO pleased you mentioned it yet again. Bless you.
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Peter J. Crowley Says:
4 March 2009 at 8:09 am.
It is when I am creating that I experience “nirvana” be it in the studio with the smell of home made pasta sauce simmering or wandering in the forest or urban areas once I put the Nikon to my eye a couple times I become the rectangle, the moment, that is all there is creation.
enjoy pjc
Robin replies
Hi Dear Peter, Boy, I can relate to this. Right now in my life, the thing I lose myself into the most is nature photography. I don’t hear, see, or feel anything except what I am photographing. I BECOME the tree, the leaf, the water, the sky and completely forget all else. I am during this time without thought. I am pure experience. Thank you for allowing me to feel this while I sit here indoors today. I understand you. I also loved the idea of you being in the studio with the smell of pasta. Soooo wonderful!
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Tara S. Dickherber, M.Ed, CPC Says:
4 March 2009 at 8:34 am.
I get lost in every smile, tear, and giggle my daughter expresses!
Robin replies
Dear Tara, I am soooooo glad you experience your child in this way. It makes me feel happy just to hear this. And yet, it doesn’t surprise me. You both are lucky to have each other. Although I have no children of my own I LOVE kids. They are so naturally ALIVE. Given the chance they are JOY completely unbridled.
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Chrissy Says:
4 March 2009 at 1:19 pm.
Hi Robin, I watched this video earlier and smiled…..
I wanted to tell you the last time I felt like this BUT couldn’t recall the time which is really silly, it won’t be that long ago.
Just at the minute I am on a course of antibiotics (very necessary) but do they ever bring me down? And it sounds silly bit I am not used to it! Anyhow, I hope you won’t mind if I come back and answer when the effects have worn off…………
I like Peter’s comment above though, another Nikon user, I will go check out his site….
Robin replies
Dearest Chrissy, I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering. And yes, antibiotics…I am completely allergic to ALL of them. Have been almost all my life. So thank heavens for natural medicine. I have found two really good docs who do alternative and get results. —I cannot believe you commented here when you are feeling so poorly. I am touched to my core and sending you so much love and a hug. Please take care of yourself and never feel rushed or pressured. I don’t keep score. I just don’t. I allow people to freely come and go as suits their needs and it’s always worked for me. I think it is more natural. —and yes, do check out Peter’s site. He has some very unique photos and wonderful poems and other writings. Like you, a creative soul. I too related to his comment very much. Take care dear and rest, rest, rest.
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David Says:
4 March 2009 at 6:17 pm.
I think that I feel most alive and joyful when I am caught in a wave at the ocean. It almost forces me out of my body and I’m just very happy about that. I understand why surfers are so dedicated to their sport. And perhaps this is why I enjoy photographing them so much. But I’m getting away from the main point. Just playing in the waves is so much fun and after awhile it washed away a lot of my inhibitions.
Robin replies
Yeah, it’s my David friend, So wonderful to see you. I was blown away by your comment as I did not know this about you, even from all I’ve read on your site and emails we’ve shared. And do you know, it brought back the most poignant and happy memories of my time swimming at Kirra Beach in New South Wales, Australia. There is a HUGE surf there, sometimes 10, 12+ feet and I used to body surf there. Lots of surfers there and dolphins riding beside the surfers, etc. It is where I really learned how to handle a mondo blue-green wave. Over or under? Better decide quickly before it crashes on you!! LOL I also am tickled PINK that you just like playing in the waves. So do I. I miss the sea here in New Mexico. But last summer I took my mini raft out on one of our huge reservoirs and it was soooooooo windy that the raft was rocking up and down and waves were splashing up over the bow. I sat on the gunnels and rode the waves like a wild maniac. Raw, pure, wild JOY. Yes, I know the feeling of “just playing in the waves…” Thank you, thank you, David, for letting me experience this again.
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Liara Covert Says:
4 March 2009 at 7:41 pm.
Robin, as children, my sisters and I shared a rectangular trampoline in our backyard. It did not have a net or roof as this one in your video, but the pure joy and freedom experienced in mid-air is timeless. I still taste it, relish it. People may delude the self into believing its a challenge to recreate positive feelings. The key to savoring each moment is to act to create joy. Choose to feel it, share it, talk and write about it, reinforce it, however you re-experience and echo it from the depths of your soul. The more you do something, the more it becomes part of you. The mind selectively adopts mindset and beliefs. Nothing is static. Mental discipline is everything.
Robin replies
Dear Liara, I am laughing reading this as I just wrote similar thoughts to a friend and have started another post about this very truth. I am excited about this comment as it holds core truths to LIVING daily happiness. I first want to say that I adore the imagery of you and your sisters bouncing on a trampoline. I could just see you, hair flying as you hung mid-air, giggles, and joyous screams. Simply reading this created happiness. Which brings me back to the core truths. To some my post might appear very simplistic and could be easily overlooked as “fluff” or simply “cute” (chuckles) BUT in doing it it raises my awareness and feelings of joy and invites others to raise their awareness of the most simple and often over looked joys in life. I have grown richer, more alive and joyous simply from doing this post. Each person who shares here sparks happy memories in me (and themselves) and as I remember I relive JOY. I focus on it. I love focusing on joy and am surrounded by it. Each response also gives me ideas for experiencing more joy.—There are so many key truths here in your comment but I hope to post about them next week. Your line: (Well,….. as I went to copy “your line” I realized that the whole comment says it all. It’s beautiful)
So Folks: just reread Liara’s entire comment.
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Kit Says:
4 March 2009 at 7:59 pm.
I think I used to feel such unbridled joy much more often, but just as my children bring me unlimited flashes of joy, they also bring me responsibilities that bridle my enjoyments. I can’t right now recall my last true moment of unfettered joy.
However, I came close a week ago- Billy and I went on a date kid-free (our THIRD in the last month or so!) to see a band play. I got to dance freely, without having to take care of or keep an eye on anyone else! It was wonderful, wonderful- I miss dancing. (Really dancing).
Robin replies
Dear KitMama, I was at you site the other day and saw the photo of you both dressed for dancing and you looked SO happy. You both were radiant and all shiny with fun energy. I love that photo. And I was so pleased that you guys had taken this time for yourselves. You need it. I did not know that you loved dancing. —You know what you ought to try? My mom used to do this. I realize it’s not the same as going out with your husband, just the two of you, but it was fun for me when I was a kid. My mom and sometimes my mom and dad, would put on some real old time rock and roll music or something they loved to dance to. Then they would clear space in the living room and we all would dance, mom, dad and us six kids. I remember my littlest brother who was only 2 or 3 years old doing the “twist”. He’d go into this really funny low crouch and twist away, And he’d have this really “groovy” sort of strained look on his face like he was really diggin’ it man. We were never sure if he was pooping his diaper or simply groovin’ to the music. LOLOL!!! I thought I would die laughing. I only remembered this right now!! He was hysterical. And we’d turn the music up really loud and the whole family would dance. You HAVE to try this with your kids. They may balk at first but you keep going and don’t stop and they will get into it too. And they won’t forget it. Just put on some really hoppin’ music that gets them going. You will laugh, I can promise you. It’s a great way for everyone to let off steam as well.
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Mike Foster Says:
4 March 2009 at 10:04 pm.
I gotta tell ya, Robin, that video made me smile, and wish I was jumping on that trampoline with those kids. As for when was the last time I felt like that? Wow, not lately. Or maybe when I was shoving those chips and Doritos into my unsatiated maw? Hmmm, nope, more of a sick feeling rather than free from all worries…like those kids in the rain.
peace,
mike
livelife365
href=”http://livelife365.blogspot.com/2009/03/social-networking-blues.html”>Social Networking Blues
Robin replies
Dear mike, I am so glad it brought a smile to your face. You strike me as someone who smiles readily. I also was tickled that you wanted to be jumping with them. You ought to put a trampoline in your backyard and film yourself. I DEFINITELY would watch THAT video. I also know that you spread a lot of joy through your videos. I always laugh. I don’t know why, but I am laughing even before you speak. Especially if I see food in your hand. I never saw anyone eat with so much relish as you do. It feel happy just watching you eat. I also admired your honesty here and I hope that you will find the things give you this unbridled joy, where you can forget all worries and then tell us about it or, better yet, video it and share it with us. I’d love to see what you come up with. Now, you have me thinking as well. See? That’s good.
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Shirley Says:
5 March 2009 at 5:22 am.
Lol! I feel joy a lot. The video reminded me of something else though. I was about 11 and my best friend said “Let’s have a mud fight.” By this time I felt I was too old to play in the mud but she talked me into it anyway. So, there we sat in the mud a couple of preteens getting absolutely filthy and slinging mud balls at each other. It was fun and taught me that you’re never too old to play in the mud. My mom collected rain water so we washed up outside. We weren’t allowed in the house looking the way we did. I wonder what my mom thought about it. When we played she never seemed to say much she just let us be.
Robin replies
Dear Shirley, I am so glad you did the mud fight. They are deliciously wild and free. What could be better than flinging mud?!! I called a friend the other day to see if she and her daughter want to be involved in a summer picnic food fight and mud flight (this coming summer). And the mother is my age and she immediately laughed and said, “Oh great, count us in.” —I completely KNOW that we are NEVER too old to play. Never. If we think we are too old to play. We are simply old in our thinking. As long as there is breath in our bodies we are capable of play and must play. There is great freedom in play, as you know so well. My mom was great that way too; she let us play in the mud and snow and water and all of it. It kept me close to the earth and filled with Life. Thank you for this precious story my dear friend.
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Plastic Mancunian Says:
5 March 2009 at 9:29 am.
Hi Robin,
It rains so much in Manchester that we do everything in the rain (well not quite everything – though there are people who DO do everything – er I’ll shut up now).
That last time I was on a trampoline was three years ago when we were having a barbecue. It was a blazing hot day and my youngest lad was on there. He called “Dad! Get over here and have a go!”
“No!” I replied.
“Don’t make me come over there …” he said (impersonating me perfectly and causing an explosion of laughter). Needless to say he came over and dragged me up there. So I jumped up and down and up and down and it was a great laugh – particularly for somebody watching me a couple of gardens away as my head kept popping up over his high fence.
I wonder whether he caught me on camera and posted it somewhere on the internet?
Cheers
PM
Robin replies
Dear PM, I laughed over this story and fell in love with your son. He is my kind of guy!!! You are so blessed to have him as your “guide” into the realm of JOY. A guide who is willing to drag you there if he must! LOL!! Which it looks like he had to do. Ya, he’s a keeper that one. I am SO glad that you jumped with him. In doing so you have not only shared an experience with him, one that HE loves, but you have confirmed JOY for him. It’s so important for kids to have JOY confirmed and acknowledged as a reality. And often how we do that is by sharing in it WITH them and they SEE that you are having fun and FEEL joy. I am really proud of you that you got up on that trampoline. You ol’ bouncer, you!!! LOL!! And I howled over the neighbor seeing you only as a bouncing head, appearing and disappearing, reappearing and disappearing, and all the while I picture your hair straight up and your mouth wide open screaming!!! Can’t you see it? Okay, okay, I confess, I saw the video!! LOLOLOL!!!!! Thank you my friend for bringing joy to my afternoon.
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Bird Says:
5 March 2009 at 10:03 am.
Oh how I wish I had a trampoline! I’m getting this giddy feeling more and more these days, spring fever I guess (although not much spring on the outside, it’s mainly in my head). I’ve always been one of those people who will just jump about whooping for the hell of it and I hope I always will be, dignity be damned! 
Robin replies
Dear Bird, I am still laughing from this comment You DEFINITELY need a trampoline. You are a born bouncer, girl!! Believe me, I know these things. You really ought to consider it. Even a little one. I have a mini one that someone gave me. I think it’s supposed to be for improving health. Only this thing gets used for PLAY. I dance on it and bounce so hard I touch the ceiling. I’m sure it’s being used way beyond it’s capacity. You could always try the suggestion I left KITMAMA on this page. Then you could really jump about and whoop!! I would really like to see a video or photo of this “whooping bird”. I have seen this in you and it makes me very very happy!!
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Rob Says:
5 March 2009 at 10:26 am.
You have such a wonderfully friendly voice. It made me happier than the video, which by the way was amazing.
Thanks
Robin replies
Oh dear Rob, this is a delightful comment. I think our voices reflect so much of who we are. I too am very attuned to voices and love when a voice feels open, warm and kind. It immediately sparks that same in me. Thank you for ‘seeing’ and sharing this insight. It means much.
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Julie Says:
5 March 2009 at 10:38 am.
That was fun! I know exactly what they were feeling…
So, the last time I forgot myself and became the moment… It happens all the time: cooking; washing dishes; walking around the neighborhood; seeking photo ops with my camera; leaning my face on my horse’s neck; sitting in my patio rocker; journaling or writing the really deep blog posts; standing in the middle of a huge wash filled with trees and shrubs and wildlife while I await the dawn…
But, the last time I forgot myself and became the moment filled with unbridled bursting-forth JOY, the kind where I’m not even aware of myself at ALL?…just being the experience of joy? That’s easy. It’s whenever I’m fortunate enough to run and play with dogs, becoming part of the dog’s world. Dogs are SO unencumbered when they play that it’s easy to slip right into the mode with them. Whenever I’d come home, my Doberman would greet me as if I’d been gone a lifetime, and we’d dash into the back yard and he’d leap and race, his joy too much to contain, and I’d run and laugh and become breathless and oh-so-happy…! We invented so many games but our favorite was hide-and-seek, indoors and outside. He’d start looking for me, so confident; I’d try to not breathe; he’d go searching, again, everywhere, becoming more excited, more frantic, and I’d be shaking with silent laughter until the giggles would finally erupt and he’d leap on me, just a big squiggling bundle of happiness… The world would completely disappear…
LOL! So, the LAST time? It was just then, in the reliving of it. My beloved Dobie’s been gone many years, now. But this is proof positive that we can create these moments WHENEVER we want, because our own minds are the greatest paint pots we own. We can whip up a beautiful memory in an instant. We can be happy—in any instant we choose.
Thank you, Robin!
Robin replies
Oh dear dear Julie, I would expect no less from you. I knew you would relate to this, of course. I know it is a way of life for you. I also cherish this story of hide and seek with your old friend Dobie. I could FEEL you holding in the giggles and his anticipation and closer and closer until you can’t contain the utter JOY of it. I know this feeling so well. I used to play like this with my part dingo-blue healer cross in Australia. He was highly intelligent and capable of great play. We humans often think we are the only species capable of play. As you know so well, this is not true. —In my life now, I play many games like this with my husband, We both are great seekers of joy. Everyday. Even the tiniest of moments. We laugh so much. And the subtleties of the “games” are so wonderful, the slight tone of voice, the lift of an eyebrow, a silly face, a goofy dance, a turn of phrase and we laugh and laugh. —This is not only a great story, Julie, it is beautifully and viscerally told. —Also in reading your last paragraph here I know you will relate strongly to Liara’s comment on this page. Great minds think alike. —This was pure joy and took me back to my dingo. Thank you luv.
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Tami Says:
5 March 2009 at 11:40 am.
cute video, Robin ;o)) When? This morning, and each day since ringing in 2009. How? I decided to….hehe 
)
Robin replies
Dear Tami, So nice to see you here. Well, I’d say this comment just about says it all, “How? I decided to.” That is absolutely the truth. We decide to and that’s that. And we decide over and over anew each moment to CHOOSE joy. I have seen people in the most dire situations choose joy. These people would put most of us to shame. Thank you Tami for sharing this truth and for choosing it.
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Lance Says:
6 March 2009 at 3:36 am.
My friend Robin,
I feel like this often. And…I don’t feel like this enough…
When did I last feel this way? Last night. My youngest son wanted to play a game we call “Garbage”. He’s the garbage, and I’m the garbage man. Our sofa becomes the trash can. So, I chase him around the house – I catch him and drag or carry him back to the sofa – he tries to sneak away – and we continue. Sometimes I tickle him. Anyway – usually it’s all three kids as the garbage – but last night – just our youngest. The whole time was nothing but laughter, running wild through the house, and smiles. And I forgot everything else going on in my world. It was all about having fun – in that moment – and with nothing else using that moment.
And I walked away from that game – in just a natural high! A natural high about life, about myself, about my family, about our world. All from 10 minutes of running in circles! And what does that really say? I think it says that we need to be a little less serious in our world today. Have fun. Goof off. Roll down a hill (that’s you, my friend!). Make snow angels (that’s you again!). Really live in the moments of our life!
Robin, you are a shining example of this. I come here and am reminded of joy and happiness. Especially in pictures and videos – your enthusiasm is contagious! Don’t ever stop being “you”. You shine so much light into our world – a world that is so much a better place for having you dancing amongst her…
Robin replies
My dear Lance, I love your line: “I feel like this often. And…I don’t feel like this enough…” I instantly understood and related to that. Even if I’ve had more time off from work and have been able to pack “active” joy into my days that I’m so full I am satiated with it, and even though I feel at peace and full of joy, I still feel that it will never be enough. Joy is something I will always actively seek out and hunger to create, discover and be part of. I find the more fully I live, the more I WANT to live fully. —I am very touched that you took the time to share this story of you and your son. It is priceless. A bit like what our Julie wrote here about her Doberman. Although I’m not surprised that you play with your son in this way as I see in your face that same joy and a reaching out for Life, full on. As my husband says, “You live life at volume ten.” That said, I am still made so happy knowing and reading that you did this with him. He will NEVER forget it. Never. —And Lance, thank you for your contagious encouragement and ability to see what is most important in life. I and soooo many others are constantly reminded, by your example, of what Life is really about, what is bottom line important. Now THAT is a truly noble use of the internet and your life. And Lance, thank you and your family for dancing through Life with me.
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earthtoholly Says:
6 March 2009 at 9:00 am.
Howdy Robin!
Good gosh, I finally made it over here…loved your fun-filled video and commentary!
Wow, I haven’t been on a trampoline since gym class in high school…not really the same kind of “joy” that’s in your video. I mean, hopping around in a horrid uniform, being watched by boys no less. Yikes…
Anyway, I believe that nowadays I experience that kind of “joy” at least once a day with the aid of W and Lucy. It’s more what is said (or barked!) than done. W’s quirky sense of humor and Lucy’s antics always make me laugh, sometimes to tears. That’s also something I enjoy about our blogging friends—such varied senses of humor. If I’m not laughing with W and Lucy, I’m sitting there like a ditz in front of the computer laughing my head off!
Thanks, Robin, for another great post! )
Robin replies
Dear EarthHolly, I laughed over my own memory (sparked by yours) of me bouncing around on a trampoline in my horrid, dingy army-green, one piece gym uniform. I forgot about uniforms. Oh thank heavens those days are over. I can still smell the locker room after all these years. Iiiiiyyyyyyeeeee! —I also KNOW even more than ever that I AM coming back as a dog in your house. You do have the post it note on the fridge, don’t you??!!! “Look for Robin in the body of a Siberian Husky in 50 years time.” LOLOL!!! I promise that I WILL amuse you. And since you already understand “doggy speak” we will get on like a house on fire. And I will faithfully guard the fortress! I also am tickled that you sit in front of the computer laughing your head off. I do too. And it just feel so RIGHT!!! Thank you my friend.
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Lynda Lehmann Says:
6 March 2009 at 10:18 am.
Robin, you are so very talented at putting together these videos: joining your wise words with the video and your own music! Your boundless creativity springs from your own joie de vie, and that comes across strongly!
Watching this gave me tingles of pleasure, even when you had to coax a bit to get him back on his feet and bouncing again! (I guess even joy needs to take a rest and catch its breath!)
My husband and I have a few silly little games that we play that get us laughing hysterically for no other reason than the joy of acting silly. But I have to confess that those games are pretty “juvenile” (in the vocabulary of those who would judge them) and I’d rather keep them a secret!
But I know exactly what you mean. It’s the joy I feel when we’ve anchored in the middle of a pristine lake that is heaving and frothing and flowing like a giant beast, and there we are with our silly little heads bobbing between tons of thrashing water and an endless blue sky. We are eye-to-eye with the dragonfly–and there is no reality but our joy.
Or when we canoe before twilight and pull the boat up on an huge granite boulder that juts from the lake, to watch the sunset. The heat of the day rises from the rock to warm us, as the mist envelopes the lake and daylight fades from flaming orange to velvet night.
Those are two of our joys that I’m willing to share!
Robin, thank you so much for all your recent comments on my blog. I appreciate and enjoy them so much! I don’t want you to feel like you have to catch up, however, when you miss posts. I want this blogging experience to be a joy for all of us, while we cut each other some slack over missed posts, and such. It’s the quality of sharing we’re after! And life makes its demands on all of us.
Robin replies
Dear Lynda, What a loaded and utterly beautiful comment. —You described so much better than I ever have the “juvenile” games you play with your husband. I LOVED it!! Believe me you are NOT alone. My husband and I carry on in this way any time we are together. Most people if they saw us would think we had multiple personalities. We talk in so many rib tickling voices. There is a whole cartoon show inside both him and me. And we laaaaaaaugh and laugh until we are high from it. It’s not that we can’t and don’t talk seriously we DO, but we grab joy out of thin air and turn it into pure shinning Life, so brilliant that it heals everything, over and over again. I was so pleased to hear this about your life. AND I think the fact that the details of it or the doing of it is secret makes it all the more precious, intimate and powerful. My husband and I have a WHOLE language that only we would understand at this point. It’s gone on for so long and evolves and multiplies in its subtleties and intricacies that it’s our own special, magical place. I understand very very well. I also am sooooooo happy for you, Lynda, you beautiful soul. —And you words of being on the water moved me to tears I also know that feeling so well. I was telling David here on this page about being in my raft and in the surf in Australia. You writing is equivalent to you painting and art. I literally FEEL colors and sensations when I read your words. I am blessed that you life touched mine. —And yes, there is no pressure for either of us, but I must confess I could lose myself in your art and words. As you saw, the other day I did. LOL!!!!
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Lisleman Says:
6 March 2009 at 12:27 pm.
Robin thanks for that video and idea. But I guess your neighbor may have given you the idea so say thanks to him when you get around to saying hi.
Feeling joy – when I was laughing with family or friends or playing with grandkids.
There is something great about water splashing especially if it’s not too cold. Sometimes getting soaked can be fun.
This seems almost mystic or something that I’m here commenting about this, because just this morning as I awoke I had this thought:
Lifting your spirit should be the easiest thing since it has no weight.
thanks
Robin replies
Dear Lisleman, Welcome! How fun to see you here. I love your comments about water. You and me both have an affinity for water. I grew on the water, as kids we used have water fights, water is such a temptation for joy. I little flick from a glass at someone who likes to play invites a whole bout of laughter and joy. —ALSO your comment: “Lifting your spirit should be the easiest thing since it has no weight.” Now that is a serious keeper. That ought to go at the top of your blog, your book, your memoir, somewhere!! You could even take the “should” out of it and write it as a definitive statement:
“Lifting your spirit IS the easiest thing in the world, BECAUSE it has no weight.” OR as you say, “SINCE it has no weight.”
I have never read or heard this comment before. Ir is pure poetry and wisdom all in one line. Good for you. What a great thought to awaken to. WOW!! How many of these thoughts do you have??!!!
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Robb Says:
6 March 2009 at 2:09 pm.
Kia ora Robin,
Many years ago when my son Charlie was only a toddler we were on a day trip driving with my mom who was visiting from the states in the beautiful wine country of Hawkes Bay – in the shadows of the Ruahines, and at one stage we stopped by a beautiful meandering creek which my older son Taylor immediately jumped into, and Charlie toddled up to the creek and started splashing, so I just dove in as well! My mom was just standing there staring, and we boys were laughing and laughing, and especially Charlie at probably two was just beside himself. I saw this glow come across my mother’s face and she started laughing as well, I literally saw her let go and join us. It was beautiful. Later that day at a little road side stand my boys bought me a two dollar whale bone necklace. I still wear it. And whenever I enter the Ruahines, exactly at the moment I enter her boundaries, I stop, take that necklace in my hand and kiss it, and that joy just envelopes me once again!
Aroha,
Robb
Robin replies
Dear Robb, Kia ora, my friend. This is such a beautiful story on so many levels. I was not only touched that YOU dove into the creek with the boys, and you all laughed so hard, BUT that you saw your mother’s joy and even more. You saw that in spirit she WAS in the water with you all. That takes a wise soul to see that. You see on a soul level. That is where so much can be seen, all the things that people we love often can’t share with words or sometimes even actions, but their souls are still reaching out to us with Love. They still hunger to be seen, to be “part of”. With your ability to “see” in this way, you embraced your mom right there along with your boys. She became part of the circle of love with you and the boys. —I also was very glad to hear the story of the whale bone necklace. And yes, when you kiss it, you kiss more than the necklace. You kiss your boys, your mom, that day, their love, your beloved mountains, your own soul, the whole Universe of Love, because Love is your intent. Thank you for that Robb. Aroha my friend, Always.
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Nicole Says:
6 March 2009 at 5:50 pm.
Any time when I am not being held back by anything (including myself).
So, today, was the last time I have felt unbridled joy. Today, I played Frisbee with a friend in my backyard, beneath a cloudless blue sky and 60F weather. I jumped and skipped and ran and threw my hands in the air as if I were hugging it; and laughed and giggled and squealed in delight. And the sun felt so good on my arms and face and hands and hair, and the Frisbee sometimes soared like a bird (when the wind caught it just right on a just right throw). And when we finally went inside, I smelled the sun on my skin.
Robin replies
Dear Nicole, you are a JOY! I am laughing and grinning just from reading this. The imagery is SO uplifting, just like your arms reaching for the sky. I can so picture you doing this. I’ve seen enough of your site and work to feel the passion and spontaneity that IS you. This whole comment makes me want to walk out my door and do a jig in the drive way and call out to my neighbors, “I’m alive. Can you see? I…AM…ALIVE!!! Lol! I’ve actually done things almost that wacky. I’ve gone to the end of my drive in the morning when all my neighbors are leaving for work and shouted out GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!! LOL! They’ve grown used to my wacky ways. Thank you Nicole. I’m still grinning.
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Tami Says:
6 March 2009 at 7:49 pm.
Robin…but, someone forgot to warn me that the world looks a little crazy from the side of happiness. ;o)
Robin replies
Dear Tami, you are just too precious for words. I am sitting laughing, yet again, over this comment. I SO understand what you mean. I just KNOW what you mean. Thank you for tickling me today.
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Walter Says:
6 March 2009 at 8:56 pm.
With me everyday there are fleeting moments of joy, but for a longer duration, the first thing that hits my mind was my decision to take a four mile walk home during a thunderstorm, the first time in my life I saw ball lighting, it was spectacular! Anyway I love to sing and dance, one of my all time favorites just happens to be Gene Kelly’s – Singing in the rain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dasbCj5eoiM&feature=related And no one does special effects like mother nature, so there I was, singing my heart out, soaked from head to toe and happy as a lark; I’m sure my puddle jumping was quite a sight to passing motorist.
Robin replies
Dear Walter, this is a precious story. It is so filled with vitality that I felt like I was with you on this walk. I too LOVE to walk in the rain. I am sooooooo glad you sang. Oh this is SUCH a good example of reaching out and taking hold of Joy!! This is REALLY ceasing the moment and allowing yourself to be fully alive. Thank you for sharing this here because people need to remember that it is THIS simple. It really really is this simple. You get it and live it and I am so happy for you.
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David Says:
7 March 2009 at 9:04 am.
Well, my friend Robin??!! HHmmm… let me think:)
I’d have to say, I’m fairly able to experience some form of unbridled joy if you will, just by being able with little effort, in making those around me laugh & smile on a daily basis with no real rhyme or reason or underlying agenda..it just kinda comes spontaneously & can happen most times without any deliberate attempt…
That said??….Great example….this past skiing trip in PA at Seven Springs..
I was with a LARGE bunch of friends new & old\ people from a neighborhood haunt, or bar, of which can only best be described as…a real life ‘Cheers’ type of place..it was the 12th annual ski trip:) & my 5th time in.
Here’s one of many an example that weekend of ridiculously laughable episodes that brought a thrill & some unbridled joy:
There is this ‘blue’ run on the mountain that has some really wicked turns in it. Its still a blue, which I feel comfortable on, but probably the most challenging ones there.
Just the thrill of flying on the path, cutting, turning~I finally did something for the first time & turned a full 360, a few times, & did it IN THE TURN!~I didn’t wipe out…&, it was awesome as all get up…& I was a KID, all day…I was only 4 foot from the edge of the tree lin which is a 30 foot drop~which I noticed just as I turned forward…familiar with the heart throbbing experience as a cop is pulling you over for a ticket which you KNOW you deserve??..well, that was me…
& it was worth every second:::))))
Thanks for coming up with this topic Robin my friend:::))))
Robin replies
Dear David, this is such a wonderful unbridled comment. I connect strongly with your ability to make others laugh and smile and feel joy. In doing that we, ourselves, feel great joy. And you are a master at it, in the most sincere way that I’ve seen in a long time. You have made many of my days more joyful, happy and filled with insight and laughter. —I also LOVED this ski story. Having grown up on skis I could picture every detail of this and it took me back to so many memories. And of course, this event was absolutely worth it. It will leave an imprint that has pushed on the envelope of your knowledge of skiing. So next time you will be even more familiar with what you can do on skis. Isn’t is just GLORIOUS. I used to ski the edge of the all the slopes because most people avoid them, so they are completely untouched snow and so wonderful to ski. I could go on and on here about this topic as it is so dear to my heart. But I will only say this, that I’m glad you shared this experience. Skiing is something that set my body and spirit free. I ski even in my nightly dreams. Thank you my dear friend.
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Walt Says:
7 March 2009 at 5:52 pm.
I love being an actor on God’s stage of life, I never know what part I may be asked to play, but I’m always ready to steal the show. I would like to think that whenever I act a fool, it is my own way of being humble. Yet I must remember not to let it all go to my head, when I do it so well. Because I love; I am here to serve, and Love is a never ending joy.
Robin relies
Dear Walt, yes you do do it so well and that is a good thing. Humble is good too, but I also believe that it is a time to really claim who we are and share it with the world to increase the vibrations of Love all over the globe, in the entire Universe for that matter. So I say to you, “Do what you do best and spread that love and insight that you are so good at, everywhere you go.” It is your calling my friend. No doubt!
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Mel Says:
7 March 2009 at 10:52 pm.
Way too long… Although I’m trying to surround myself with people and projects that make me feel a little bit closer to that. It is not possible yet, but I’m on my way
Thank you for always being an inspiration and for reminding me about things that sometimes are forgotten.
Besos,
Mel
Robin replies
Dearest Mel, I have a feeling that you spread and experience more joy than you may realize. I also realize that you the level of joy that is inside you is so high that you compare your recent times to that previous known level. In other words, you are simply a walking bundle of joy. I see it in you ALL the time and you spread it everywhere you go. But I also recognize and honor your need to bring more in your life. I think you are on definitely on the right track when you say you do it in your own way. Joy doesn’t have to come in great huge meal sized doses; it can come in little sweet bite sized chucks moment to moment. The more we focus on and claim the little bite sized bits of joy the more joy will will start to see and feel everywhere we go. It simply raises our awareness of joy, hence our feeling of joy, and our encounters with joy. I just see it in you SO often. You are a living bundle of joy.
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Mary Says:
8 March 2009 at 5:19 pm.
Robin- this is so simple, yet so life-affirming. I just made you my youtube friend and I look forward to watching all your videos.
Robin replies
Dear Mary, what a treat to see you here. Welcome to my little Eden. I received your delightful youtube notices. You brought a smile to my face and I thank you VERY much.
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Márcia Cobar Says:
10 March 2009 at 12:22 pm.
Dear Robin,
Your question have actually inspired me to write a whole post about these moments that lifts us higher. Considering the stage of passion I have been living in, I tell you that the moment that made me experience this unbridled joy was when I danced with my boyfriend. It was such a memorable moment! I was in his arms, feeling protected and loved, moving from right to left, but wanting to scream out loud that I was the happiest woman alive!!! It wasn’t just a dance, it was the whole process of making room for romance, dedicating time for the one I love, feeling his energy, his breath, his smell. I love it when Exupery says that “Perhaps love is the process of my leading you gently back to yourselfâ€. And perhaps the unbridled joy you asked ourselves to share is what happens when we are on the way!
Robin replies
Dear Márcia, this whole comment is pure poetry, it is a dance of beauty all on it’s own. It conveys such passion, romance, beauty, love, life, hope and more. For me it was like a walk through a field on a warm summer night under a zillion stars, All the heavens above me. All the heavens inside me and all around me. I fell in love with the Universe all over again just “experiencing” your comment. What you are now living can be made a way of life for the rest of your life.
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Tammy/Cricket Says:
11 March 2009 at 11:22 am.
OH ROBIN, my heart is pounding. This video is so full of life. You should have gone and jumped with them. We have a trampoline that I jump on each day. I have to admit that jumping in the rain is even better. The trampoline is heavy. The bounce is harder but the energy is great.
Ok…right now I have to share that my mom is cancer free. The doctors were shocked this morning when we arrived to find out our treatment options only to look at the tests and they were gone. Gone. Gone. I am just so elated that I had to come and share.
So…what did I last do that was crazy. I hugged every stranger in the waiting room.
Much love to you.
Tammy
Robin replies
Dear Tammy, I laughed out loud with delight when you said you jump on your trampoline each day. Does this surprise me? Not at all coming from you. LOL!! If I were there I would jump with you. Sometime I am going to get a trampoline and I too will jump everyday. For now I roller skate and roll in the snow, hike barefoot and roll down hills. LOL!! All things I know you would do as well. —I am singing for your mom, my heart is filled with the most ecstatic joy for you and her. I think I saw this coming in her. I saw a great healing. I think I see it coming all over the planet. Even though there is still so much horror and suffering, I see a huge up lifting wave of healing happening all over the world.
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David Says:
11 March 2009 at 2:36 pm.
Marcia I loved your response. It was so expressive and full of human emotion.
Robin replies
Dear David, I agree with you. Her comment is a rich with who we humans really are. Who we ALL are. Thank you for visiting me my friend.
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Doc Says:
11 March 2009 at 3:43 pm.
I think it has been about 20 years since I’ve felt such joy !!!! ;D
Thanks Rob, what a great reminder. I did recently see a 300 pound man do a backflip on a trampoline though. lol
Robin replies
Dear Doc, LOLOLOLOL!!! This comment is soooooo YOU, and very precious Oh Doc, I think you have enormous potential for GREAT joy. So I really hope that you get to experience it very very soon, like, TODAY!!! You have given me much joy over the months, many many times. I am still laughing over the 300 pound man doing a back flip on a trampoline. For me that is truly MAGNIFICENT joy. It speak of freedom. That is comparable to an elephant seeing a hawk and thinking he can soar like the hawk, and not only THINKING he can soar, but soaring regardless of any supposed limitations. There is a HUGE joy in this, a profound lesson for us all. *Most of our limitations are self imposed. We must all be the elephant that believes he can soar. Why? Because we ARE and CAN.
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brainteaser Says:
11 March 2009 at 6:25 pm.
Hi Robin!
I experience it often, thank God!
Unbridled joy creeps in simple things. It just happens! Even when I am extremely busy, I find the time to appreciate simple things. And even when I am sad, deeply sad, I can easily shift emotions.
People say I am a walking contradiction. They think I am serious about life and that I think way too old, and yet, sometimes act way too young for my age. I play with kids. I laugh heartily. I can be perfectly happy with things “normal†adults would not consider funny. I think I am a child with a grown-up body and the insights of a thirty-year-old.
Whatever. I am a happy soul. Period.
That is not to say that I don’t have problems. The past months had been extremely emotional for me. My world had crumbled, but through the rubble of my broken spirit, I keep seeing reasons to laugh. So I laugh because I am happy, even if there is a void in my heart. I find its possible for the two emotions, or states, to stay side by side. And I think they do. It’s just up to us which we focus on.
Like they say, the choice is always ours. In a given particular moment, there will be something that will make us happy, even if there is something bothering us inside. We can choose not to take that moment to laugh just because we are busy, or because we have a problem. But me, I set aside the problem and laugh, because it’s what I am, and because being able to laugh gives me the courage to move on. Moreover, there are already too many reasons to be sad, all we need to do is look around us, so why should I not take the moment to be happy and laugh when there is a reason to, no matter how simple?
When I laugh even if something is bothering me inside, it is not because I am staging a happy front, but because I can appreciate the happy spirit of the moment. Life is too short for us to spend wallowing in misery.
Robin replies
My Dear Sherma, this is SUCH a complete comment on its own that there is really nothing I can add to it other than to say that you are truly wise. Brilliantly wise. And not only wise with your thoughts and mind, not only wise from reading books and listening to wise men/women speak, no, it is much more thank that for you. You, my friend, are wise of heart and soul. You ARE wisdom. I relate so strongly to what you’ve said here that it’s as if you reached inside me and wrote the words written on my heart. I too feel things deeply, richly, and can feel many emotions at once. I can be in deep grief and laugh at the same time. Just because I am in pain or suffering in some way does not mean I don’t reach out and grab every single moment of joy. In fact, that is a reason for doing so. Regardless, I do not need reason to do so, I just thrive on joy. And since I am not afraid of any of my emotions and I do not judge ANY of them, they can all exist at once if need be. They are all part of the rich tapestry that makes up me. Just as your emotions are so vivid and full that they weave a deeply plush tapestry that is vibrantly YOU. I would have no other way. We both live life full on. We are in love with life. Bless you my sister for your gift.
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Lilly Says:
14 March 2009 at 2:36 pm.
Fun video and I cannot wait to see Miss Robin roller skating. I just learnt last night that my great grandfather was a champion roller skater…made me smile. Oh there are lots of things that bring joy to me but I guess the moments of really letting go are times spent being active in some way – being a child again. Not worrying about a thing but living in the moment and enjoying. I am going to several theme parks over Easter – I leave my age at the gates and go for it. We should never lose the spontaneity of a child. Thanks Robin, you have a wonderful giggle my friend.
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soulMerlin Says:
17 March 2009 at 5:03 pm.
Hi Robin ~ That is a fun vid’ and an important message for all of us. It’s many years since I laughed so much that I thought I would die or that my ribs would crack. The last time was a water fight. The whole room got messed up and we got soaked and we laughed and laughed.
It makes me smile to think of it
xhenry
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Kikolani Says:
18 March 2009 at 10:40 am.
I get lost when I’m out in nature, like at a park, or on a hike in the mountains. Getting away from cars and computers makes time seem bountiful instead of pressured, and it’s wonderful.
~ Kristi
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Jenn Thorson Says:
26 May 2009 at 10:17 am.
My favorite observations of unbridled joy have come recently in seeing dogs with their heads outside the car with that pure shameless smile of theirs… their ears blowing in the breeze. It’s such a small, simple thing, but it makes me overjoyed every time to watch it.
Some days I think it would serve me better to live life as if I were a well-kept pup!
Robin Replies
I LOVE this comment. It just made me laugh out loud as I know exactly what you are talking about. I don’t think anyone in their right mind can watch such a sight and not at the very least grin. I will be right there beside you being a well kept pup! I even know a few great dog lovers who would willing take us on. LOL!!! I mean life does not get any better than riding in a car, head out the window, wind in your face, mouth open, tongue out, drool flying everywhere and ears flapping!! Let’s go for it girl!!! LOL!! Thank you SO much Jenn.
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Greg Says:
27 May 2009 at 1:29 pm.
I haven’t been creek-walking in WAY too long, I realize suddenly. But joy like that? I’m happy to say I feel a lot of it lately, little unexpected moments when I realize how good life can be. Most recently, I think was the day I was gardening and the rain came so heavily. I was a soaking mess, but grinning like a fool, and not just because I knew I wouldn’t have to water in the new plants.
: )
Robin Replies
Oh this does not surprise me at all about YOU. And yet, I was STILL sooooo happy to hear that you find this kind of joy all the time. Me too. It is a way of life that I know you understand and live. And it is what makes you so charismatic and fun. So so alive. I love the image of you in the pouring rain. It’s glorious isn’t it?!! Hugs my friend, Robin
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