​I was having a conversation with a friend about joy. The question came up, "How can we feel joy when there is so much suffering?"

My answer, "How can we not?"

Hatred increases hatred; joy spreads joy. The more energy we put into something, the more it expands. It is the law of physics.

If everyone is filled with fear, anger, and depression, we will not survive. We are in this situation in the world because too many can't see past limiting emotions.

I am not immune to anxious feelings. I, too, can be gripped by limiting thoughts. But when I see I am spiraling, I stop and turn my attention to what I am grateful for and what brings me joy.

Last week, Wendy and I visited my grandson. He is so full of joy. He certainly embodies what it means to quickly move through unhealthy emotions and return to happy delight. He is fearless and steadfastly focused on the next enjoyable distraction. He may fall, but he quickly rights himself by jumping back up, ready to continue his energetic curiosity for life's unique sensations.

His commitment to bliss elevates those who surround him to where love is the central theme. Precious moments entrance us as time disappears. It is a great reminder of how to approach life and carry on.

I believe the way through suffering is to acknowledge all the feelings and come back to love and gratitude for our lives at this moment, beyond our scraped knees, bruised hearts, and worldly distresses.

​Don't forget to move your body and get out in nature when you can. 

With love,
Sylvie and the SDP Team

​Sylvie Minot received her BA in Dance from San Jose State University and is a certified 5Rhythms® Teacher who was also trained in the Heartbeat (emotional) map by Gabrielle Roth.

Sylvie has studied psychology, indigenous healing rituals, energy medicine, and sound healing and is inspired by the teachings of cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., author Caroline Myss, and sound healer Tito La Rosa.

​Since 2000, Sylvie has taught weekly dance classes and workshops for a variety of populations. Sylvie is often described as a catalytic shape-shifter because of her ability to meet people right where they are and move with them into new possibilities.