What do you think?
Rate this book
Finding Joy: 101 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance with Life
Combining spiritual insight with pragmatic guidance, this lighthearted yet practical handbook shows readers how to live a more balanced, richer life.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
6 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Kasl
26 books73 followersCharlotte Sophia Kasl, PhD, is a U.S. psychologist and author.
She pioneered the 16-Steps for Discovery and Empowerment as an alternative to the Twelve-step program for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.
She wrote several books based on some aspects of Sufi, Quaker, and Buddhist spiritual beliefs and traditions.
She pioneered the 16-Steps for Discovery and Empowerment as an alternative to the Twelve-step program for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems.
She wrote several books based on some aspects of Sufi, Quaker, and Buddhist spiritual beliefs and traditions.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 5, 2021
I started this book several years ago... and picked it back up recently. Originally I thought of it as an educational book but when I retrned to it, it felt like a daily meditation book and began reading it that way... however the chapters were so fulfilling I often read more than one a day...I felt “taken care of” with the ideas and suggestions and philosophy presented... It was easy to read, not loaded with doctrine needing explanation... as I am a therapist and a spiritual seeker, it really spoke to what I look for in a non-fiction book... Additionally the little illustrations are adorable... there are suggestions for every step along the path of growing up and finally aging...
A truly satisfying book and I would highly recommend it for those who enjoy being inspired and purusing new ideas.
A truly satisfying book and I would highly recommend it for those who enjoy being inspired and purusing new ideas.
June 10, 2021
bits i liked:
4) Let Joy Into Your Being
"Joy is like genuine poetry. It communicates to us in the whole of our being and seems beyond words. Have you ever had a wonderful experience and felt it go clunk inside when you tried to explain it to someone? That's because the worlds could not capture the essence of the experience..."
5) Remember Your Connection To All
"Joy comes from knowing that we are not isolated beings, rather we are all intrinsic parts of the whole human family. Knowing this kindles the awareness that, while we may feel lonely sometimes, at a deeper level we are never alone."
30) Simplify Your Life
"There is a spiritual aspect to letting go of belongings and simplifying one's life. We devote less time to physical possessions and more time to the spirit. When we are less constricted, that deep, quiet place inside of us where wisdon and joy reside has air to breathe and time to come alive."
44) Remember, You Get To Make Mistakes
"• All people make mistakes.
• It's natural to make mistakes.
• I can go back and apologize.
• I can probably clean up the mess.
• I'm not bad for making a mistake.
• It's just a small cosmic blink in time.
• In a week it will not matter, and even if it does, I'll survive.
• I can make mistakes and still be loved."
4) Let Joy Into Your Being
"Joy is like genuine poetry. It communicates to us in the whole of our being and seems beyond words. Have you ever had a wonderful experience and felt it go clunk inside when you tried to explain it to someone? That's because the worlds could not capture the essence of the experience..."
5) Remember Your Connection To All
"Joy comes from knowing that we are not isolated beings, rather we are all intrinsic parts of the whole human family. Knowing this kindles the awareness that, while we may feel lonely sometimes, at a deeper level we are never alone."
30) Simplify Your Life
"There is a spiritual aspect to letting go of belongings and simplifying one's life. We devote less time to physical possessions and more time to the spirit. When we are less constricted, that deep, quiet place inside of us where wisdon and joy reside has air to breathe and time to come alive."
44) Remember, You Get To Make Mistakes
"• All people make mistakes.
• It's natural to make mistakes.
• I can go back and apologize.
• I can probably clean up the mess.
• I'm not bad for making a mistake.
• It's just a small cosmic blink in time.
• In a week it will not matter, and even if it does, I'll survive.
• I can make mistakes and still be loved."
September 2, 2024
Finding Joy by Dr. Charlotte Davis Kasl offers a warm and accessible introduction to those beginning their spiritual journey or seeking practical ways to cultivate more joy in their everyday lives. The book is filled with 100 simple, yet meaningful, suggestions to help readers reconnect with their inner spirit and embrace a more joyful existence.
For those who are just starting out on their spiritual path, *Finding Joy* provides an easy-to-follow guide, rich with insights and actionable steps that can be immediately applied to daily life. It's perfect for anyone looking to inject a little more positivity and mindfulness into their routine.
However, if you are someone who is already spiritually nuanced and have explored deeper or more complex spiritual practices, you may find this book too elementary. The concepts are straightforward, and while they are valuable, they might not offer the depth or new perspectives that more advanced readers may seek.
In summary, *Finding Joy* is a lovely resource for those beginning their journey toward a more joyful and mindful life, but it may not satisfy those who are further along their spiritual path.
For those who are just starting out on their spiritual path, *Finding Joy* provides an easy-to-follow guide, rich with insights and actionable steps that can be immediately applied to daily life. It's perfect for anyone looking to inject a little more positivity and mindfulness into their routine.
However, if you are someone who is already spiritually nuanced and have explored deeper or more complex spiritual practices, you may find this book too elementary. The concepts are straightforward, and while they are valuable, they might not offer the depth or new perspectives that more advanced readers may seek.
In summary, *Finding Joy* is a lovely resource for those beginning their journey toward a more joyful and mindful life, but it may not satisfy those who are further along their spiritual path.
Read
May 5, 2025I enjoyed this book. Key insights include:
Intuition and self-trust feed each other in a reinforcing cycle.
When undergoing therapy, it’s best to take your emotions 1 emotion at a time. For example: sadness by itself, then anger by itself, and on from there. Otherwise, you’ll get bogged down.
When considering one’s body, tis much better to consider how it FEELS than how it LOOKS.
Healing the body is 50% more effective when mindfulness is applied.
Record notes, audio and written, for posterity.
Just because our body is in decline as we age doesn’t mean that our spirits shouldn’t grow. The one is separate from the other.
Finding joy is about following your path, which involves spontaneity and leaning into spirit.
When you discover your own joy, you will naturally infect others.
Humans have a natural need to attach and bond with each other.
Clean your damn kitchen. Your resilience will be strengthened, and you’ll be glad you did it.
Intuition and self-trust feed each other in a reinforcing cycle.
When undergoing therapy, it’s best to take your emotions 1 emotion at a time. For example: sadness by itself, then anger by itself, and on from there. Otherwise, you’ll get bogged down.
When considering one’s body, tis much better to consider how it FEELS than how it LOOKS.
Healing the body is 50% more effective when mindfulness is applied.
Record notes, audio and written, for posterity.
Just because our body is in decline as we age doesn’t mean that our spirits shouldn’t grow. The one is separate from the other.
Finding joy is about following your path, which involves spontaneity and leaning into spirit.
When you discover your own joy, you will naturally infect others.
Humans have a natural need to attach and bond with each other.
Clean your damn kitchen. Your resilience will be strengthened, and you’ll be glad you did it.
April 12, 2023
I started this several years ago and every once in a while will pick it up to read while waiting on a book from the library to be available. It feels to me a little like self help light. There are no harsh criticisms or reading of how terrible you’re handling things.
All of the suggestions are very much start where you are, be gentle, be and do what makes you happy, and don’t care about what other people think. Of course, I will add to the above as long as you aren’t hurting other people.
Finally, I don’t know if I would call this a spoiler but, there are 103 ways described to find joy and free your spirit and find joy. 😀
All of the suggestions are very much start where you are, be gentle, be and do what makes you happy, and don’t care about what other people think. Of course, I will add to the above as long as you aren’t hurting other people.
Finally, I don’t know if I would call this a spoiler but, there are 103 ways described to find joy and free your spirit and find joy. 😀
March 30, 2020
Someone I care for deeply lent me this book yesterday. I loved it! It’s very informative and easy to read. I took everything in like a sponge with liquids. I recommend everyone to read this book. It’ll change your whole perspective on life
November 8, 2021
Wish I would have read this in 1994 when it was published. It’s a handbook for life. I think everyone should read this now - as it is more relevant than ever.
March 25, 2013
I haven't added any of the books in quite a while, but I really wanted to recommend Finding Joy, so here I am. I found this little book at our local public library sale. I think I paid $1 for it. It's the best $1 I've spent in a long time. Finding Joy by Charlotte David Kasl is a sweet, spiritually uplifting book. It's perfect for this time of year, when "holiday blues" are frequent. Kasl's books is filled with positive anecdotes and suggestions. I've been reading one or two sections each day. They lighten my mood and keep me focused on the positive. I just bought a used copy from Better World Books for a friend. I think I'm going to keep my copy and bring it out to be reread every November to January. Definitely a good read!
Review Part 2: Actually, I discovered that the original book that I reviewed was a Hallmark edition and was only 75 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance with Life. It was missing 26 of the original entries. Much to my delight, when I got to the end of the book I had ordered from Better World Books, there were two more entries... making it really 103 Ways. I reread the entire book, including all of the entries in the 75 Ways edition. I'm not sure if my friend read the copy I gave her or not. I'll have to check. To me, it was a really good read... both times!
Review Part 2: Actually, I discovered that the original book that I reviewed was a Hallmark edition and was only 75 Ways to Free Your Spirit and Dance with Life. It was missing 26 of the original entries. Much to my delight, when I got to the end of the book I had ordered from Better World Books, there were two more entries... making it really 103 Ways. I reread the entire book, including all of the entries in the 75 Ways edition. I'm not sure if my friend read the copy I gave her or not. I'll have to check. To me, it was a really good read... both times!
December 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, although the title was quite corny and false (you can't just FIND joy). I have already started applying a lot of her ideas. They don't necessarily make me a happier person, but her ideas can help you become more reflective, understanding of others and yourself, and they can help you deal with your emotions. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone open enough (there are some parts that are a bit "new age."
January 28, 2010
cute ideas...no WOW
November 7, 2010
This book will help you find ways to seize Joy in your life...
June 12, 2011
Yes and dance like no one is watching.
June 28, 2013
A sweet book with suggestions on how to enjoy life and lift your spirit. I liked it, but for me- God is the ultimate path to finding true Joy.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews