Award-winning poet and bestselling author Ross Gay discusses the necessity of joy and delight in life, especially during times of grief. He explores the interconnectedness of joy, gratitude, and kindness, emphasizing the importance of practicing joy and embracing impermanence for human connection.
Embracing joy and delight is crucial for a meaningful life amidst grief and sadness.
Acknowledging grief enhances the ability to experience genuine moments of joy and connection.
Deep dives
The Legacy of the Satanic Panic Phenomenon in the 1980s
In the 1980s, North America faced the Satanic Panic phenomenon, where allegations of underground satanic cults terrorizing children spread panic. Despite the lack of evidence for such cults, the impact of these accusations lingers to this day, affecting those touched by the hysteria.
Delighting in Small Moments and Connection
Ross Gay's essays, like 'Squirrel in a Pumpkin,' capture fleeting moments of wonder and delight in everyday life. These moments, such as harmonizing 'hello' with neighbors or witnessing a stranger's joyful antics, emphasize the beauty in shared experiences and human connection.
Cultivating a State of Being in Delight
Ross Gay's book 'The Book of More Delights' celebrates small pleasures and human goodness in daily life. By appreciating simple joys like a sunflower growing through pavement cracks or a flight attendant's kindness, Gay's work encourages readers to cultivate a state of being in delight.
The Intersection of Joy and Grief
Ross Gay explores how grief and joy are interconnected facets of the human experience. He suggests that embracing grief and sorrow allows for a deeper appreciation of moments of joy and connection, highlighting the profound relationship between acknowledging pain and experiencing genuine delight.
For award-winning poet and bestselling author Ross Gay, joy and delight aren’t frivolous or a privilege. He argues they’re absolutely essential to a meaningful life — especially in the face of grief, sadness and suffering.
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