Joy is one of the most infectious acts of resistance. When you see someone smiling, when you hear someone laughing, when you feel someone singing, it gives your soul permission to lift.
Some days, it feels like it’s vulnerable or unpopular to “like” things, and that it’s a lot more in vogue to “hate.” But organizing around what makes us happy is so much more sustainable than clumping together out of fear. No one can steal our joy.
The sound snapshots in this story come from regular, happy folks in Indianapolis. It is worth highlighting that every person here is finding most of their joy in their physical space — not looking at screens.
I hope you can listen along, smile along, and hold tenderly whatever brings you happiness lately. And if you recognize these people out in the world, take a moment to thank them for infecting us with their joy.
Purr, purr
Indy arts scene matriarch Stephanie Lewis Robertson is sewing to hold happiness. Her sewing machine, the Bernina 801 Sport (she has three, but this one is her favorite), glides and hums and clicks so pleasantly. Most 801 Sports are almost silent, but this one was dropped on the floor years ago, and something that went loose inside makes the machine purr. With Bernina, Stephanie stitches free-hand effortlessly.
I also asked Olive, the studio cat that Stephanie co-parents, what makes her happy. Food and being surrounded by loving creatives is what makes Olive purr, although she has nothing loose inside of her. Hear Olive and Bernina purr in harmony.
Whirring, buzzing, grinding
My eastside friend Kurt Green is finding joy in mounting things on the off-white walls of his new home. As an architect, he has a keen eye for design, and seeing objects in his new space is making him smile. In a world where progress can take a lifetime to see, a process like home repair — where you see immediate results — is so gratifying. Listen to Kurt using an electric drill to hang a stairway handrail.
Sizzling, crackling
Geographic Information Systems expert Ryan Stevens unwinds and finds joy while welding. The frying bacon sounds of a nice clean weld are so satisfying. With his welding machine, Ryan can harness the power of the sun to fuse hot metal, and essentially build adult legos. Listen to the power of the sun.
Flap, chirp, peck-peck-peck
Kindergarten teacher Rachel Campbell-Maher is happy when she feeds her chickens. Her birdseed brings all the girls to the yard. She’s coming up on a year with her roost full of curious, clucking birds. When she feeds them, they flap and peck and chirp to one another, and Rachel loves to listen and imagine what conversations they are having. In her serene backyard, the sounds of bamboo leaves in the wind also help her relax.
Hee-hee ha ha ha
Local baby Delight Campbell-Maher feels happy when she is spending time with both of her parents. When they get home from work and tickle her, pretend to eat her feet, clap with her and blow raspberries on her belly, she just laughs and laughs with pure joy. Delight’s laughter is also bringing her parents and countless community members joy lately. Listen for some before-dinner playtime with Delight.
La la la!
Songwriter Haley Sumner has found their joy by exploring the full range of their voice. Improvising beckons one to listen deeply to their own voice with loving kindness, wherever it sits today. Haley has discovered new melodies for songs this way. Listen to their playful vocal slides and warm-ups.
What is bringing you joy lately? Tell someone in physical space about your joy, so you can spread it and support their happiness, too. If you share with me, I’ll reach out to record your joyful noises.
Clockwork Janz is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach them at clockworkmakesmusic@gmail.com.
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