Inciting Joy

By Ross Gay

In these gorgeously written and timely pieces, prizewinning poet and author Ross Gay considers the joy we incite when we care for each other, especially during life’s inevitable hardships. Taking a clear-eyed look at injustice, political polarization, and the destruction of the natural world, Gay shows us how to resist, and how joy might lead us to a wild, unpredictable, transgressive solidarity. In fact, joy just might even help us survive. He explores how we can practice recognizing connection, and how to expand it. In an era when divisive voices take up so much airspace, Inciting Joy offers a vital alternative pointing out what might be possible if we turn our attention to what brings us together.

Action Item: Make a Joy List!

When was the last time you thought about what brings you total joy and contentment? Sit down today and create a list of at least 10 things that make you happy. Do it now because if you know what feeds your soul, you can schedule time each week to guarantee yourself a little bit of joy.