Now, I can't say that I'm all about change - I can enjoy a good rut as much as anyone else.
The comfort of that repetition can provide some stability when the world around you is chaotic.
But opening up to the new can be restorative, soul-feeding, inspiring.
Like watching some of the Iconoclast series, recommended first to me by fellow blogger, Kitty, over at New York Portraits.
Just a few days ago, I was scrolling through the DVR, looking for something interesting to watch when I spotted the episode featuring Mike Myers and Deepak Chopra.
An unlikely combo if there ever was one.
As the episode unfolded, we learn that Myers has long been a friend of Chopra's, that he's studied Eastern philosophy and religions.
One of the most lovely quotes from the episode came from Chopra, who pointed out:
"Life can be a series of perpetual surprises - that's the most joyful experience you can have."
And it's true - most of the most joyful times in my life have been when I've been surprised.
By a situation I've found myself in...
By bumping into a friend unexpectedly on the street...
By how much fun I'm having at an event I'd dreaded attending...
By the connection I've made between two disparate ideas.
One thing I've found is that the joy can register as ultra-powerful within the context of surprise. It's as if the surprise factor ratchets up the enjoyment by 10.
What do you think: Does the element of surprise add to the joy?
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4 comments:
How neat, Spandrel? I haven't been tuned into the series lately and should. Look what I've been missing!
Thanks also for the mention. I've been so lax lately with keeping up with everyone's blogs. Life has been too busy.
Yes, there were a few episodes that I've skipped over, and a few that I'm saving for a day where I need to just veg and be entertained by something a bit more interesting than Bravo reruns!
I try to generate change myself - unscheduled/unexpected change can sometimes upset the apple cart...
Hey, Steph. That's an interesting take, kind of like Gandhi's "Be the change you want to see in the world" ideal.
But no matter how much planning you do, there can still be a bit of the unexpected that crops up, which I guess is what I was getting at... does the surprise factor make a good thing that happens even MORE joyful?
To me, it really does. As long as it's a positive surprise! ;)
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