The Speed of Delight
View of Michelle’s rose garden
“Delighted to meet you.” “I’d be delighted.“ “That sounds delightful.” In social interactions, we freely use various forms of the word “delight.” But how often do we open ourselves up to delight itself?
Delight surprises us (pleasantly). We recognize it instinctively and viscerally. It happens quickly and spontaneously. And while we typically experience delight fleetingly, the duration doesn’t dilute its impact.
I find its etymology fun. The word “delight” has been in use since the 13th century. It’s from the French “delitier,” which derives from the Latin “delectare,” both of which can mean “to charm.” I love that. Because that’s exactly how we feel, isn’t it, when we find ourselves delighted? We’re charmed, unexpectedly and immediately.
Science journalist and author Catherine Price (whom I also reference in my Make Your Fun Intentional blog) recommends prioritizing delight by incorporating a "delight practice" into your daily life. It tickles me (charms me! delights me!) that she suggests raising your index finger and saying aloud (even if you’re alone), “Delight!” whenever you notice something—big or small—that utterly charms you in that moment.
It's well established that practicing mindfulness and gratitude can improve our mental outlook and physical well-being. When we take pleasure in the small things in life, we’re more engaged and productive.
A delight practice is a quick, simple, and fun way to increase our awareness of how much joy and beauty surrounds us.
So, I’ve decided to try it. Maybe I’ll point at the new fountain in my rose garden, which I can see from my patio when I work outside, and cry, “Delight!” when its babbling reminds me there’s a world beyond my computer. Maybe it will be an animal I see break from the brush in the woods as I take my daily walk. It might be a story or humorous remark I read in one of my team member’s morning huddles. It could be the taste of something I didn’t expect to be sweet (or sour). Or it might be the hummingbirds at my feeder.
The point is: I’ll know the object of my delight when I see it or hear it or taste it or feel it. And to amplify its effect, I’ll acknowledge it. At a recent meeting, I decided to challenge our team to try the practice also—to notice something charming every day and to amplify its joyful effect by crying out, “Delight!”
I’ll let you know how it goes. Will you give it a try during July also and let me know what resonates for you? That would absolutely delight me.
-Michelle Kelly, CEO (Chief Enjoyment Officer)
Recommended Reading
The Book of Delights
by Ross Gay
Our coworker Deanell gave everyone on the team The Book of Delights, short essays by Ross Gay. The author spent a year, starting and ending on his birthday, taking note of his world’s daily wonders. It’s an exercise in imagination, generosity of spirit, and intention.
That’s not to say that everything in his world is all sweetness and light. But he finds something to magnify every day, ranging from the commonplace to the profound.
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