🌟 Mini-Lesson: Defining Joy and Its Power 🌟
From Journey to Joy, this mini-lesson explores joy as more than an emotion—it’s empowerment, resistance, and transformation. Through art, culture, and identity, joy becomes both personal healing and political power.
Bringing my Journey to Joy class to you! Each week, I'll post a mini-lesson based on my graduate-level course at University of Pennsylvania:
🌟 Mini-Lesson: Defining Joy and Its Power 🌟
From Dr. Desmond Patton’s Journey to Joy class
đź“– What is Joy?
Joy is more than a fleeting emotion—it's a radical act of empowerment and resistance. For many, especially within marginalized communities, joy is a declaration of existence, resilience, and thriving despite adversity.
📝 This Week’s Focus:
We explore how joy is intertwined with identity, culture, and empowerment. Dive into how music, art, and community foster joy as both personal and political power.
🎧 Key Readings & Resources:
The Power of Black Girl Magic Anthems
Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé’s “Feeling Myself” as a celebration of Black girl joy and empowerment.
Joy: An Integrative Theory
A deep dive into what joy means across disciplines.
Explore the theory
The Radical Power of Black Girl Joy
Joy as a tool for liberation and transformation.
đź’ˇ Activity:
This week, immerse yourself in art in any form you choose—music, dance, painting, poetry, or more. Let the experience guide you to reflect on how joy feels and transforms in your life. Share your favorite joyful moment or art piece in the comments!
đź“š Optional Reading:
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Carlton Abrams
✨ Reflection Prompt:
What brings you joy? How can joy be a form of resistance in your life and community?
Let’s spread joy together—share your thoughts below! 💬
Insights for Joyful Living and Social Justice
Get a glimpse into my ongoing reflections, stories, and research as I explore the science of joy, the realities of racial justice, and how our digital world shapes both.
✨ Joy and Timely Connections ✨
I highlight joy as a practice that strengthens resilience and deepens human connection.
🔥 What Tries to Kill Joy… and How Joy Wins 🔥
I share how I use joy as a tool for survival and liberation, offering three ways to protect and strengthen it amid life’s challenges.
The Quiet Joy That Brings Us Home
A reflection on using joy as liberation and resilience when life brings negativity, with three intentional practices to protect and nurture joy.
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Take the next step—join the waitlist for my upcoming book or book me for your next event. Let’s build a future rooted in care and connection.
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