In a world where it’s easy to feel disconnected, moments of joy have a special way of reminding us that we’re not alone. The Collective Joy Project was created to invite people to slow down, listen, and share stories that spark belonging, understanding, and belonging across our communities.
We invite you to be part of this special gathering, to listen, learn, and perhaps walk away with a brighter sense of belonging. We’re looking forward to sharing this on Instagram Live Tuesday, July 8 at Noon. Follow us @california_humanities. For viewers who’d rather join via Zoom, we have a registration link available to join in webinar mode if that format fits you better.
This project is more than just a conversation. We are continuing with part two on the topic of Grief as a Pathway to Joy because we believe joy is a strategy, and both joy and grief are multilayered and interconnected.
We’re honored to be joined by special guest Yumi Sakugawa (she/they), a second‑generation Japanese‑Okinawan interdisciplinary artist based in Tongva land. Yumi is the author of several published books, including Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One with the Universe and There Is No Right Way to Meditate. Her multimedia installations have been featured at the Japanese American National Museum, the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building, and the Peabody Essex Museum. Her newly released affirmation deck, COSMIC COMFORT, is now out in the universe.
Through this conversation, we hope to open a space for reflection, belonging, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and one another — and to illuminate how joy can guide us toward more hopeful connections.
