The Shocking Pursuit of Joy

This week, I had the occasion to see a special art exhibit by Niki de Saint Phalle, a French-American sculptor, painter, filmmaker, and author. When I stepped into the exhibit, I saw one of her quotes on the wall. It says,

“I used to think there was a need to provoke… And then I understood that there is nothing more shocking than joy.”

I think the greatest shock of joy takes place when we move away from personalized hedonism and toward occasions to co-create joy in relationships, in community, and in systems that would prefer to keep some people marginalized and down. In those occasions — as in all times — every emotion is valid, including grief and anger. But when joy can emerge and be cultivated, it is truly shocking, isn’t it? It is truly provoking, isn’t it? It is truly transformative, isn’t it?

— Renee Roederer