Quiet Quest

Finding Joy in the Contrast

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Quest,

an adventure

a crusade

an inquiry into what

is possible.

An exploration of truth

or seeking

peace.

A mission to

unearth joy

moving it out of the darkness

where it may lie waiting

for when there

is time or energy

or necessity

to ignite it.

Pursuing

the harmony

the tranquility

where joy

can glow in that shadowy space.

Coming out

into the open

to be the savior

even if only for a moment.

I have 62 - 2” square cards with an individual word printed on each. It is part of a pack called Courage Cards. These cards became the center of a small group of people who gathered quite organically under the gentle guidance of a beautiful, feminine spirited soul who created the cards and came to call our group the Courage Tribe.

We met every other week at the same time to check in and talk about whatever came up. The intention of our discussions was usually prompted by a word or words we chose from the Courage Word box. We wove our chosen words into a patchwork that revealed what was in our hearts at that particular time and in a safe space.

The significance of the word(s) chosen seemed to fit naturally into whatever we each needed to discuss or reveal. It’s as if the universe were providing a path to open a door just waiting to be set ajar. The deep friendships that developed because of these words, and our willingness to share, became a valuable part of our lives going forward.

---

Regarding the poem.

I recently chose the word “Quest” from my Courage Word box. The word did not make me think of some grandiose adventure to be conquered. I saw and felt it as a quieter and more intentional experience needed to reignite something that may be missing.

Such as a quest for joy.

Joy does not come in big splashes, grand entrances, flashy lights, or celebrations for me. I am not comfortable around those kinds of joy explosions. They seem unrealistic and even shallow.

I can sometimes get caught up in the routine of life and forget to recognize the simple or nuanced joys around me. These days, it’s an easy trap to fall into as we get sucked into a constant cycle of survival and maintaining some semblance of sanity.

Joy is easy to obtain if you are not looking to be blown away by some epic event or feeling. As springtime approaches, small joys can be seen as nature opens up. Daffodils, apple tree buds, and rhododendron flowers are getting ready to bloom in our yard. The robins are returning, searching for worms and natural materials to construct their nests.

We have a new puppy, and each day she does something funny, mischievous, or sweet. Pure joy. Look at those tender and knowing eyes. Melts my heart.

Freya, our golden retriever pup at 11 weeks.

We talk about the importance of experiencing joy amid the destructive nature of the world in which we currently live. I find myself imagining what things were like in the last hundred years or so: the 1918 Spanish Flu, the Depression and Dirty Thirties, the various Wars, the Civil Rights movement, Women’s Suffrage, all of it.

What was the mindset and resolve of the people then? We have some ideas because we are the product of those people; they are our ancestors. They persisted with all the strength they could muster, with little time to sit around and contemplate their next moves. Not responding wasn’t an option.

Did they seek joy? I doubt they thought about it that way. But I am sure they recognized joy because they lived the contrast most days.

My recollections of my father’s parents, who lived on a farm, are that they struggled with the residual effects of their time. But, they seemed to experience joy in the little things, like harvesting the garden with their grandchildren, who helped pick carrots and peas (eating half of them), going to town for orange push-ups, helping walk the cows back to the barn, and riding on the tractor. There were centennial celebrations, weddings, community gatherings at harvest time, and the essential morning coffee with neighbors on the farm.

Simple joys.

It can be difficult to hope when much seems lost or futile. Facing the realities, as our ancestors did, and moving forward with whatever strength we can harness, while using hope and joy as the motivators, will help liberate us.

Michelle Lindblom