# A Journey to Joyful Journey#

By vermavkv on April 28, 2025 • ( 2 )

A Journey to Life

Dear Friends,

Life is full of journeys — some planned, some spontaneous, and some born from quiet yearning.

Today, I want to share with you a special kind of journey — one that doesn’t require packed bags or train tickets. It is inward, silent, and powerful. I call it “A Journey to Joyful Journey.”

Yes, you read that right. Because true joy isn’t a destination. It is a path — walked slowly, mindfully, with open eyes and a softer heart. The real question is: Are we on that path?

For years, I lived like many do — caught in the whirlwind of routine, responsibilities, and expectations.

And don’t get me wrong, those years taught me discipline, hard work, and the value of commitment. But it was only after retirement, when the noise faded and space opened up in my life, that I truly began this journey toward joy.

What does a joyful journey look like? It begins with a single choice — to pause.

To pause long enough to hear your own thoughts.

To pause long enough to feel the morning breeze.

To pause long enough to question: Am I truly happy?

In this quiet reflection, I stumbled upon powerful practices that now shape my daily life — writing, painting, tea in silence, and lately, the Art of Living’s Happiness Programme.

These are not mere hobbies; they are stepping stones on this journey.

The Roadmap to Joy

Let’s be honest — happiness doesn’t come wrapped in a gift box. It needs nurturing. Through my recent workshop experience, I discovered a beautiful framework that aligns perfectly with this joyful path:

Mindfulness – The art of being present. Not yesterday’s regret, not tomorrow’s fear. Just today’s breath, today’s smile.
Sudarshan Kriya – A rhythmic breathing technique that feels like spring-cleaning for the soul. I had never imagined the breath I take for granted could hold such power.
Emotional Balance – Life will throw curveballs, no doubt. But balance is knowing that we are not the ball, nor the bat, but the space in which the game unfolds.
Relationships – When we heal ourselves, we begin to heal how we relate to others. Joy often hides in kind words, shared laughter, and acts of forgiveness.

This journey is deeply personal. It doesn’t need approval. It only needs honesty — with yourself.

The Inner Compass

I have learned that joy isn’t about the absence of problems. It’s about having tools to meet life with grace. Joy thrives in a calm mind and a grateful heart.

And perhaps, in knowing that life doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.

You see, a joyful journey isn’t something we walk only when things go well. It’s a choice we make, especially when they don’t.

It’s waking up with intention, even on tough days. It’s being the light when others around us feel dim. It’s having faith when answers are slow.

And as we travel this path, something magical happens — our joy becomes contagious. A kind of silent light that touches family, friends, neighbors, even strangers.

My Companion on the Path

During my recent workshop, I found unexpected joy in companionship — in the group we fondly named Pancham.

Five individuals, each unique, walking the same road with open hearts. We listened, we breathed, we laughed. In those simple moments, I realized — this journey is lighter when shared.

Joy is a Daily Practice

Every sunrise now feels like an invitation — not just to live, but to live joyfully.

So, what can you do today to begin your journey?

Write a gratitude list.
Step outside and listen to the birds.
Call someone you’ve been thinking of.
Breathe slowly, deeply, like it matters — because it does.

And remember: the road to joy isn’t straight. It has curves, bumps, and pauses. But each step is worth it.

As I continue walking this joyful journey, I invite you to walk with me. Let us create lives not just of existence, but of essence. Not just of routine, but of radiance.

Because in the end, joy is not a far-off land. It’s right here — waiting within us, waiting to be discovered again and again.

With warmth and wonder,
– Mr. Verma
retiredkalam.com