Part 9: Joy Spotting: The Mindfulness of Noticing Delight

Welcome to The Everyday Science of Joy, a 13-part series for educators and caregivers brought to you by the ESSDACK Resilience Team and inspired by the work of Ingrid Fetell Lee around The Science of Joy. We’re diving into what brain science tells us about joy: why it matters, how it shapes our nervous systems, and how we can design classrooms, homes, and communities that help people truly thrive.

Each post, we’ll explore one joyful concept and connect it to practical, brain-based strategies you can use right away. Think of this series as a little dose of inspiration and science, wrapped up with curiosity, compassion, and maybe even a laugh or two because joy is serious business (and seriously good for us)!

Joy spotting is the simple act of looking for what’s good, beautiful, or alive. It’s mindfulness with a wink.

When we train our brains to notice delight, such as a student’s doodle, a beam of light, or a kind word, we strengthen neural pathways for resilience. It’s not denial; it’s awareness.

Joy spotting builds micro-moments of regulation that ripple through classrooms and families. It’s free, private, and surprisingly powerful.

✨ Joy Practice Challenge: Spend five minutes a day naming a few tiny joys around you: colors, sounds, textures, smiles. Your attention is your superpower; aim it at what heals.