This post is a mashup of The Little Bliss List and Joy Jam, and as such is meant to celebrate: the little things that brought me hope and happiness this week, the sweet stuff of life, those small gifts that brought me joy this week. By sharing them, I not only make public my gratitude, but maybe also help you notice your own good stuff and send some positive energy out into the world.

1. Some relief from fear. I kept getting stuck there in these past few weeks, but in the last few days, my mind has relaxed a bit, some of the tension has left my body, and I’m grateful.

2. Yoga. This practice gets me moving when I’m stuck, is medicine. My teachers and classmates are unafraid of my grief and my fear. It’s a safe container for whatever arises, offers a way to work with it.

3. Meditation instructors, Wanda (my local MI) and Susan Piver (my mostly virtual MI). They are both so kind and so wise, such a gift when things get hard, when what I’m experiencing feels so much bigger than the state and skill of my practice.

4. My family. Eric, my dogs, both sets of Moms and Dads, my brother and my nieces all offer love, a sense of belonging, and joy that is such a comfort to me.

5. My class. It has been such a wonderful distraction. My students are funny and smart, engaged and present.

Bonus Joy: Dexter’s health and happiness. He might be dying, but for now his suffering is minimal. I’m so grateful for that. And bonus to the bonus joy, last night he got in bed with me and cuddled, slept next to me almost all night. He hasn’t done that in a long time, not since we got Sam and he decided to “get his own apartment,” (sleep on the couch), and I miss it.