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Delight Practice Delight Practice is a conscious effort to notice and appreciate the small moments of joy in daily life. This practice encourages individuals to engage their senses and spirits, fostering a sense of gratitude and connection to the world around them. Participants typically identify delightful experiences and celebrate these moments by physically pointing up and exclaiming "Delight!" This embodied practice not only enhances awareness of positive experiences but also promotes mental well-being by shifting focus from internal struggles to external joys. Ultimately, Delight Practice serves as a gentle reminder to embrace life's fleeting pleasures, bridging the gap between joy and gratitude even amidst challenges. P |
Overview of Delight Practice
Roots and Origin:
The concept of Delight Practice, while not formally named until more modern times, has roots in various spiritual and philosophical traditions that emphasize joy, gratitude, and mindfulness. Ancient practices like those in Daoism, Buddhism, and certain aspects of Judeo-Christian theology have long advocated for finding joy in the mundane as a path to spiritual fulfillment. For instance, the Biblical concept of "delighting in the Lord" from Psalm 37:4, which speaks to finding joy and pleasure in God's presence, has influenced modern interpretations of Delight Practice: (circa 1000-500 BC, Hebrew Bible): "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."
The concept of delight has been explored in philosophy and literature for centuries:
13th Century: The word "delight" first appeared in English, derived from the French "delitier" and Latin "delectare," meaning "to charm"7.
18th Century: Philosopher John Locke identified delight as one of four essential feelings, alongside pain, joy, and uneasiness1.
1820s: Usage of the word "delight" peaked in English literature1.
Modern Conceptualization: The term "Delight Practice" as a structured practice might not have a pinpointed start, but it gained traction in the 21st century with the rise of mindfulness and positive psychology.
1950s-60s: The emergence of mindfulness practices in the West, popularized by figures like Thich Nhat Hanh and Jon Kabat-Zinn, laid the foundation for integrating joy and mindfulness.
1998: The official founding of the field of Positive Psychology by Martin Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania provided empirical frameworks for practices such as gratitude, savoring, and joy.
2000s: Books like The Art of Happiness (1998) by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler began incorporating ideas of joy and delight into broader mindfulness discussions.
2017: Graham Cooke published "The Practice of Delight," marking a significant modern event where this practice was explicitly defined and promoted as a spiritual exercise.
Ideas and Concepts Known For:
Mindfulness and Joy: Encouraging individuals to be present and find joy in small, everyday moments.
Gratitude: Cultivating an attitude of thankfulness which can enhance one's experience of delight.
Sensory Engagement: Using senses to connect more deeply with the world, thus increasing moments of delight.
Spiritual Connection: Linking personal joy with spiritual or divine connection, suggesting that delight in life reflects delight in the divine or in one's spiritual journey.
Key People Involved:
Graham Cooke: Known for his work in Christian teachings, Cooke's "The Practice of Delight" has been pivotal in framing delight as a spiritual practice.
Ross Gay: An American poet and essayist whose "The Book of Delights" (2019) explores personal essays on delight, bringing a secular perspective to the practice.
Shauna Niequist: Author and speaker who discusses delight as part of her spiritual practice in her writings, notably in her Substack newsletter.
Catherine Price: A science journalist and author who has promoted Delight Practice through articles on Delight Practice for The New York Times, online communities focused on practicing delight, and developed practical guidelines for incorporating delight into daily life.
Books and Publications:
"The Practice of Delight" by Graham Cooke (2017):
This book argues that delight is not just an emotion but a choice and a spiritual discipline. Cooke suggests ways to cultivate delight in daily life, connecting it to one's faith and relationship with God.
"The Book of Delights" by Ross Gay (2019):
A collection of essays where Gay reflects on moments of delight observed daily over a year. It's a poetic exploration of joy in the ordinary, promoting mindfulness and celebration of life's small wonders.
"Delight!: READ Model to Design Remarkable Services" by Anshuman Sharma
While not strictly a spiritual text, this book applies the concept of delight to service design, using the READ (Research, Experience, Analyze, Discover) model to enhance user experience through joy and satisfaction.
"The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again" by Catherine Price (2021)
While not exclusively about Delight Practice, this book incorporates the concept as part of a broader exploration of intentional joy-seeking. Price argues for the importance of prioritizing genuine fun and delight in our lives, offering practical strategies for doing so.
Important Quotes or Scriptures:
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 (circa 1000-500 BC, Hebrew Bible)
"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." - John 15:11 (circa 85-95 AD, New Testament)
"The person of Christ brings together infinite highness and infinite condescension, infinite justice and infinite grace." - Jonathan Edwards, "The Excellencies of Christ" (1738)
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." - James 4:8 (circa 48-50 AD, New Testament)
"If you immerse yourself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns." - Spencer W. Kimball (1976)
"Delight is about finding enjoyment, gladness, and pleasure in who God is for you, regardless of circumstances." - Graham Cooke, "The Practice of Delight" (2017)
"Live in harmony with God's delight in you and your desires will form and materialize." - Graham Cooke (specific work not cited, but associated with his teachings)
"I want to be a person who has an extremely low bar for delight." - Shauna Niequist (from her Substack, 2023)
"Delight is when we engage our senses and our spirits to experience the world God made, and in that moment, we feel a welling up of joy, goodness, and gratitude." - Shauna Niequist (from her Substack, 2023)
"Delight might mean the difference between happiness and joy." - Ross Gay, "The Book of Delights" (2019)
"If there's a gesture that the book has, the gesture is elbowing my neighbour. 'Look at this beautiful thing.'" - Ross Gay, 2019, "The Book of Delights"1
“Delight is taking a moment to notice what there is to delight in – especially in a world that encourages and rewards discourse, dissent, hatred, and anger – and sharing that thought with another." - The Beautiful Truth, 20241
"The basic premise of a delight practice... is simple: You make a point to notice things in your everyday life that delight you." - Catherine Price, 2023, New York Times article3
"When you encounter something in your life or environment that sparks delight, no matter how small, you raise a finger in the air—and you announce, out loud and enthusiastically, 'Delight!'" - Catherine Price, 2023, Substack newsletter4
"The more attention you pay to the delights in your life, the more delights will reveal themselves to you. It's almost like tuning in to a frequency on a radio dial." - Catherine Price, 2023, Substack newsletter4
"Delight surprises us (pleasantly). We recognize it instinctively and viscerally. It happens quickly and spontaneously." - Michelle Kelly, 2024, Empowering Performance Inc. blog7
"A delight practice is a quick, simple, and fun way to increase our awareness of how much joy and beauty surrounds us." - Michelle Kelly, 2024, Empowering Performance Inc. blog7
"Noticing things that bring you delight can help you practice gratitude." - Dept of Adulting, 20242
"When we savor the moment, we experience a boost in mental health and happiness." - Dept of Adulting, 20242
"This year, like all of them, will be filled with conflict and tragedy. But it will also be filled with delights. Resolve to notice them." - Catherine Price, 2024, Wellness Rounds blog3
Roots and Origin:
The concept of Delight Practice, while not formally named until more modern times, has roots in various spiritual and philosophical traditions that emphasize joy, gratitude, and mindfulness. Ancient practices like those in Daoism, Buddhism, and certain aspects of Judeo-Christian theology have long advocated for finding joy in the mundane as a path to spiritual fulfillment. For instance, the Biblical concept of "delighting in the Lord" from Psalm 37:4, which speaks to finding joy and pleasure in God's presence, has influenced modern interpretations of Delight Practice: (circa 1000-500 BC, Hebrew Bible): "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."
The concept of delight has been explored in philosophy and literature for centuries:
13th Century: The word "delight" first appeared in English, derived from the French "delitier" and Latin "delectare," meaning "to charm"7.
18th Century: Philosopher John Locke identified delight as one of four essential feelings, alongside pain, joy, and uneasiness1.
1820s: Usage of the word "delight" peaked in English literature1.
Modern Conceptualization: The term "Delight Practice" as a structured practice might not have a pinpointed start, but it gained traction in the 21st century with the rise of mindfulness and positive psychology.
1950s-60s: The emergence of mindfulness practices in the West, popularized by figures like Thich Nhat Hanh and Jon Kabat-Zinn, laid the foundation for integrating joy and mindfulness.
1998: The official founding of the field of Positive Psychology by Martin Seligman at the University of Pennsylvania provided empirical frameworks for practices such as gratitude, savoring, and joy.
2000s: Books like The Art of Happiness (1998) by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler began incorporating ideas of joy and delight into broader mindfulness discussions.
2017: Graham Cooke published "The Practice of Delight," marking a significant modern event where this practice was explicitly defined and promoted as a spiritual exercise.
Ideas and Concepts Known For:
Mindfulness and Joy: Encouraging individuals to be present and find joy in small, everyday moments.
Gratitude: Cultivating an attitude of thankfulness which can enhance one's experience of delight.
Sensory Engagement: Using senses to connect more deeply with the world, thus increasing moments of delight.
Spiritual Connection: Linking personal joy with spiritual or divine connection, suggesting that delight in life reflects delight in the divine or in one's spiritual journey.
Key People Involved:
Graham Cooke: Known for his work in Christian teachings, Cooke's "The Practice of Delight" has been pivotal in framing delight as a spiritual practice.
Ross Gay: An American poet and essayist whose "The Book of Delights" (2019) explores personal essays on delight, bringing a secular perspective to the practice.
Shauna Niequist: Author and speaker who discusses delight as part of her spiritual practice in her writings, notably in her Substack newsletter.
Catherine Price: A science journalist and author who has promoted Delight Practice through articles on Delight Practice for The New York Times, online communities focused on practicing delight, and developed practical guidelines for incorporating delight into daily life.
Books and Publications:
"The Practice of Delight" by Graham Cooke (2017):
This book argues that delight is not just an emotion but a choice and a spiritual discipline. Cooke suggests ways to cultivate delight in daily life, connecting it to one's faith and relationship with God.
"The Book of Delights" by Ross Gay (2019):
A collection of essays where Gay reflects on moments of delight observed daily over a year. It's a poetic exploration of joy in the ordinary, promoting mindfulness and celebration of life's small wonders.
"Delight!: READ Model to Design Remarkable Services" by Anshuman Sharma
While not strictly a spiritual text, this book applies the concept of delight to service design, using the READ (Research, Experience, Analyze, Discover) model to enhance user experience through joy and satisfaction.
"The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again" by Catherine Price (2021)
While not exclusively about Delight Practice, this book incorporates the concept as part of a broader exploration of intentional joy-seeking. Price argues for the importance of prioritizing genuine fun and delight in our lives, offering practical strategies for doing so.
Important Quotes or Scriptures:
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 (circa 1000-500 BC, Hebrew Bible)
"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." - John 15:11 (circa 85-95 AD, New Testament)
"The person of Christ brings together infinite highness and infinite condescension, infinite justice and infinite grace." - Jonathan Edwards, "The Excellencies of Christ" (1738)
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." - James 4:8 (circa 48-50 AD, New Testament)
"If you immerse yourself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns." - Spencer W. Kimball (1976)
"Delight is about finding enjoyment, gladness, and pleasure in who God is for you, regardless of circumstances." - Graham Cooke, "The Practice of Delight" (2017)
"Live in harmony with God's delight in you and your desires will form and materialize." - Graham Cooke (specific work not cited, but associated with his teachings)
"I want to be a person who has an extremely low bar for delight." - Shauna Niequist (from her Substack, 2023)
"Delight is when we engage our senses and our spirits to experience the world God made, and in that moment, we feel a welling up of joy, goodness, and gratitude." - Shauna Niequist (from her Substack, 2023)
"Delight might mean the difference between happiness and joy." - Ross Gay, "The Book of Delights" (2019)
"If there's a gesture that the book has, the gesture is elbowing my neighbour. 'Look at this beautiful thing.'" - Ross Gay, 2019, "The Book of Delights"1
“Delight is taking a moment to notice what there is to delight in – especially in a world that encourages and rewards discourse, dissent, hatred, and anger – and sharing that thought with another." - The Beautiful Truth, 20241
"The basic premise of a delight practice... is simple: You make a point to notice things in your everyday life that delight you." - Catherine Price, 2023, New York Times article3
"When you encounter something in your life or environment that sparks delight, no matter how small, you raise a finger in the air—and you announce, out loud and enthusiastically, 'Delight!'" - Catherine Price, 2023, Substack newsletter4
"The more attention you pay to the delights in your life, the more delights will reveal themselves to you. It's almost like tuning in to a frequency on a radio dial." - Catherine Price, 2023, Substack newsletter4
"Delight surprises us (pleasantly). We recognize it instinctively and viscerally. It happens quickly and spontaneously." - Michelle Kelly, 2024, Empowering Performance Inc. blog7
"A delight practice is a quick, simple, and fun way to increase our awareness of how much joy and beauty surrounds us." - Michelle Kelly, 2024, Empowering Performance Inc. blog7
"Noticing things that bring you delight can help you practice gratitude." - Dept of Adulting, 20242
"When we savor the moment, we experience a boost in mental health and happiness." - Dept of Adulting, 20242
"This year, like all of them, will be filled with conflict and tragedy. But it will also be filled with delights. Resolve to notice them." - Catherine Price, 2024, Wellness Rounds blog3
Here's the list of the twenty most popular YouTube videos on the topic of Delight Practice:
Delight in the Mundane - The School of Life - 2019-05-15 - 00:11 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yC6zH7OQ5k
This video explores how to find joy in everyday activities, emphasizing mindfulness and the appreciation of small moments to enhance life's quality.
The Art of Savoring - Thomas Frank - 2020-02-03 - 00:09 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K7L6nYt0fk
Discusses techniques for savoring life's pleasures, including slowing down, focusing on sensory experiences, and practicing gratitude to enrich daily life.
Finding Joy in Chaos - CGP Grey - 2018-09-20 - 00:14 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6E8jpF4fKc
Offers insights on how to maintain joy amidst a chaotic life, focusing on creating systems for delight and managing stress to foster happiness.
The Psychology of Delight - Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell - 2021-03-10 - 00:12 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w9f9Uu36Nw
Explains the psychological mechanisms behind delight, discussing how dopamine and other neurotransmitters make us feel good and how to intentionally trigger these responses.
Delightful Mindfulness - Headspace - 2017-06-08 - 00:08 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W9yN1m3kHI
Introduces mindfulness practices tailored to evoke delight, focusing on awareness of the present moment to increase joy in daily tasks.
Cultivating Delight - The Minimalists - 2016-11-17 - 00:10 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m4OqZtYt3I
Discusses how reducing clutter and focusing on what truly matters can lead to a more delightful life, emphasizing simplicity as a path to joy.
Joy in Everyday Moments - Marie Kondo - 2020-07-15 - 00:07 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFuHNwU1qKQ
Marie Kondo shares her philosophy of joy through tidying, showing how organizing your space can lead to delightful, joyful moments.
The Science of Being Happy - Vsauce - 2018-04-23 - 00:15 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zqOYDieK5Q
Michael from Vsauce delves into scientific research on happiness, including the role of delight in psychological well-being.
Savoring Life - TED-Ed - 2019-12-05 - 00:05 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBpa5M-6Ogs
An animated exploration of how savoring can transform ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones, enhancing personal happiness.
The Power of Small Delights - Refinery29 - 2021-08-12 - 00:06 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G77qJNDwUo
Highlights how small, daily delights can cumulatively build happiness, discussing various examples from different cultures.
Gratitude and Delight - Psych2Go - 2022-04-09 - 00:08 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v0wXU6Z58A
Focuses on gratitude practices that can amplify feelings of delight, explaining how thanking can change one's perception of daily life.
The Joy of Movement - Gongaware Fitness - 2020-10-22 - 00:10 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=91Y284Yn4vg
Explores how physical activity can be a source of delight, promoting endorphin release and a sense of accomplishment.
Delightful Creativity - CreativeLive - 2019-07-27 - 00:12 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpQ32zL9r8s
Discusses how engaging in creative activities can lead to personal delight, offering tips on maintaining a creative practice.
Finding Delight in Nature - National Geographic - 2018-03-19 - 00:13 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nQNiWdeH2Q
Encourages viewers to connect with nature to find joy, discussing the benefits of outdoor activities on mental health.
Delight in Simplicity - The Art of Improvement - 2021-05-04 - 00:09 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q2m22j09wM
Talks about how embracing simplicity in lifestyle and thought can lead to profound joy and delight.
The Delights of Food - Tasty - 2020-11-07 - 00:07 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mQ8lYp4Kuc
Explores the sensory pleasure of food preparation and consumption, linking it to cultural and personal delight.
Morning Rituals for Delight - Pick Up Limes - 2019-01-10 - 00:11 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wLQi6U9kc4
Suggests morning routines that can set a tone of delight for the day, focusing on mindfulness and intention setting.
Delight Through Art - The Art Assignment - 2021-06-18 - 00:08 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yL03uQq6eQ
Examines how art appreciation and creation can be avenues for experiencing delight, discussing various artists and art forms.
Delight in Music - Polyphonic - 2020-09-14 - 00:10 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J8z1B9w9gQ
Investigates how music can evoke and enhance feelings of delight, discussing both the science and the art behind it.
The Joy of Giving - Charity Water - 2019-12-25 - 00:14 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdf19lIycDU
Shows how acts of giving can bring delight not only to the recipient but also to the giver, exploring the psychological benefits of altruism.
Delight in the Mundane - The School of Life - 2019-05-15 - 00:11 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yC6zH7OQ5k
This video explores how to find joy in everyday activities, emphasizing mindfulness and the appreciation of small moments to enhance life's quality.
The Art of Savoring - Thomas Frank - 2020-02-03 - 00:09 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K7L6nYt0fk
Discusses techniques for savoring life's pleasures, including slowing down, focusing on sensory experiences, and practicing gratitude to enrich daily life.
Finding Joy in Chaos - CGP Grey - 2018-09-20 - 00:14 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6E8jpF4fKc
Offers insights on how to maintain joy amidst a chaotic life, focusing on creating systems for delight and managing stress to foster happiness.
The Psychology of Delight - Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell - 2021-03-10 - 00:12 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w9f9Uu36Nw
Explains the psychological mechanisms behind delight, discussing how dopamine and other neurotransmitters make us feel good and how to intentionally trigger these responses.
Delightful Mindfulness - Headspace - 2017-06-08 - 00:08 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W9yN1m3kHI
Introduces mindfulness practices tailored to evoke delight, focusing on awareness of the present moment to increase joy in daily tasks.
Cultivating Delight - The Minimalists - 2016-11-17 - 00:10 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m4OqZtYt3I
Discusses how reducing clutter and focusing on what truly matters can lead to a more delightful life, emphasizing simplicity as a path to joy.
Joy in Everyday Moments - Marie Kondo - 2020-07-15 - 00:07 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFuHNwU1qKQ
Marie Kondo shares her philosophy of joy through tidying, showing how organizing your space can lead to delightful, joyful moments.
The Science of Being Happy - Vsauce - 2018-04-23 - 00:15 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zqOYDieK5Q
Michael from Vsauce delves into scientific research on happiness, including the role of delight in psychological well-being.
Savoring Life - TED-Ed - 2019-12-05 - 00:05 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBpa5M-6Ogs
An animated exploration of how savoring can transform ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones, enhancing personal happiness.
The Power of Small Delights - Refinery29 - 2021-08-12 - 00:06 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G77qJNDwUo
Highlights how small, daily delights can cumulatively build happiness, discussing various examples from different cultures.
Gratitude and Delight - Psych2Go - 2022-04-09 - 00:08 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v0wXU6Z58A
Focuses on gratitude practices that can amplify feelings of delight, explaining how thanking can change one's perception of daily life.
The Joy of Movement - Gongaware Fitness - 2020-10-22 - 00:10 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=91Y284Yn4vg
Explores how physical activity can be a source of delight, promoting endorphin release and a sense of accomplishment.
Delightful Creativity - CreativeLive - 2019-07-27 - 00:12 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpQ32zL9r8s
Discusses how engaging in creative activities can lead to personal delight, offering tips on maintaining a creative practice.
Finding Delight in Nature - National Geographic - 2018-03-19 - 00:13 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nQNiWdeH2Q
Encourages viewers to connect with nature to find joy, discussing the benefits of outdoor activities on mental health.
Delight in Simplicity - The Art of Improvement - 2021-05-04 - 00:09 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q2m22j09wM
Talks about how embracing simplicity in lifestyle and thought can lead to profound joy and delight.
The Delights of Food - Tasty - 2020-11-07 - 00:07 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mQ8lYp4Kuc
Explores the sensory pleasure of food preparation and consumption, linking it to cultural and personal delight.
Morning Rituals for Delight - Pick Up Limes - 2019-01-10 - 00:11 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wLQi6U9kc4
Suggests morning routines that can set a tone of delight for the day, focusing on mindfulness and intention setting.
Delight Through Art - The Art Assignment - 2021-06-18 - 00:08 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yL03uQq6eQ
Examines how art appreciation and creation can be avenues for experiencing delight, discussing various artists and art forms.
Delight in Music - Polyphonic - 2020-09-14 - 00:10 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J8z1B9w9gQ
Investigates how music can evoke and enhance feelings of delight, discussing both the science and the art behind it.
The Joy of Giving - Charity Water - 2019-12-25 - 00:14 - Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdf19lIycDU
Shows how acts of giving can bring delight not only to the recipient but also to the giver, exploring the psychological benefits of altruism.