Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/687891
I f lovemaking is stalled, it can interfere with joy, and joy is, in many ways, love's twin fl ame. It occurs on the receiving side of love, whether romantic, familial or just the full-body expe- rience of loving life. Joy is the byproduct of feeling loved and lovable that lifts us out of the daily conundrum, making us more resilient and hopeful. And yet, joy remains one of the most rare and diffi cult emotions for most of us, in part because we are trained givers but inexperienced receivers, in sex as in life. And as with good sex, we think that joy is something that just hap- pens, something that sweeps us up, beyond our control. Or somehow if we work toward it, planning time and strategizing to make it happen, it is somehow a less worthy experience. In fact, joy, like love, is the grace that follows the hard work of opening our hearts. Which, incidentally is also true about consistently good sex; it's not an accident, it is the reward for work well done. This short list of prac- tices has taught me about the work of receiving, which is neces- sary preparation for our highest emotions—the ones that help us evolve into our best selves. Sadness, anger and fear have a lot to teach, making it easy for these emotions to become imprinted on us, becoming our fi rst and primary fi lter of our awareness. Joy often takes more effort, because for many, it is unfamiliar territory. Build a visceral vocabulary of gratitude One of the most important lessons I have learned in my study healthy living SEX TALK Persistent efforts optimize success both in & outside the bedroom MAKE JOY HAPPEN By Wendy Strgar WHOLE LIFE TIMES ~ Advertising Sales Rep Wanted Must have advertising sales experience. sales@wholelifemagazine.com 310.425.3056 Ext. 101 16 wholelifetimes.com