The Memory of Joy: Where Presence Becomes Eternal

When I think about joy, the moments that had a level of presence, that illuminated an element of stillness, come forward.

Joy seems to encompass a slowed pace; every detail of that moment felt, seen, and cataloged in a special way.

The warmth of the sunshine, the laughter, the colors of the sky, a feeling of connectedness, the pace of the wind, the smell of the moment, the sounds that filled the air…

These moments are more than a memory, but a multisensory video of life – a defining moment of this adventure, that refuses to be anything less than radiant.

When I look back on my life, it’s these detailed moments that play louder, brighter, presenting themselves higher than any narrative that was happening at that time.

I have witnessed a dual separation of this experience. There is a physical/heart experience, and then there is a narrative/energetic experience. As though happening on separate planes yet being experienced simultaneously.

Part of me is taking in the beauty, playing within the truth of our encoded heart, and the other is processing, transmuting, and pivoting from narrative. Refusing to buy into any belief that is not in alignment with soul resonant, Galactic accuracy.

There have been times throughout this life when I have felt like I am under a spotlight, and there have been times when I have felt as though I am walking in total darkness. 

It’s the reels of joy that continue to play in the background and foreground that keep me centered.

My moments of joy have patterns: sunshine, nature, adventure, play, loved ones, presence, and gratitude. 

A feeling of appreciation for being alive and an element of pause, encapsulating the whole. 

If all of life is in constant motion, it makes sense why joy feels so different. It’s like an intentional momentary snapshot is being recorded. Not just the imagery, but the informational detail of presence, is being encoded into said “clip”. 

I don’t know if it’s just me and how I’m wired, but my mind and being choose to remember the good, the fun, the joy. Cognitively, I recall there were other elements taking place within those moments, narratives of deeper or darker energetics, but it’s not what my being can concentrate on; it refuses to hold onto anything but the beauty.

TAKE ACTION: Pause and notice what brings you into presence – sunlight, breath, laughter, or stillness, and let yourself fully feel it as joy. To explore more of Torie Smith’s work, visit her website.