The Power of Joy: A Path to Freedom

Joy is often seen as fleeting or unimportant, but science tells us otherwise. Joy lowers our stress, builds resilience, and strengthens our connections with others. More than that, joy is a form of resistance. And we need it now more than ever. This Black History month Indigo Movement will celebrate Black joy!

Audre Lorde, in The Uses of the Erotic(1978), wrote that oppression distorts sources of power within the oppressed, including joy. Patriarchal systems have long suppressed joy in women, dismissing things like romance novels, fashion, and home decor as trivial. This isn’t accidental by the way—it’s a way to control and diminish the power that joy brings.

Experiencing joy releases dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Studies have shown that joyful activities can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), improve immune function, and even increase longevity. Spiritually, joy fosters a sense of purpose and connection, reinforcing our inner strength and resilience.

Simple pleasures—such as curating a beautiful space, savoring a meal, or enjoying a favorite book—aren’t frivolous. They affirm life’s richness and our own agency. As Lorde suggests, joy can guide us toward transformation. When we embrace what makes us happy, we push back against control. So let’s cultivate joy—not as an indulgence, but as a necessity. Let’s wear what excites us, read what inspires us, and create spaces that reflect our true selves. In doing so, we turn joy into a force for change.

Cheers,
Team Indigo Movement

Discover Your Joy with Indigo Movement!

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