Unmitigated Joy
Happiness is a subject object relationship. We often find ourselves (subject) happy about something (object). Happy that its spring, happy to see our dog, happy to win the lottery. On occasion we find ourselves just feeling happy for no reason…but my experience is that we quickly find a reason to explain this unprecedented event. (Just kidding).
Joy is something different – joy is that state that is not possible to define. It is a sudden burst of energy that fills body, mind and spirit. It is so natural to our design that we can see it in young children…they just begin to giggle for no apparent reason – and then they hear themselves giggling and begin to giggle more. I am certain that this is a natural state – and I am equally certain that we also have the ability to stifle this wondrous feeling and then wonder if we ever really felt it – that ability to override is an awesome power – if only we could use it for building the life we are all entitled to experience.
The ancient wisdom traditions also have something to say about this…”Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning.” I am no biblical scholar, but I like that phrase…may endure…not has to endure or must endure …but joy is right there waiting for us to welcome its presence.
My teachers of joy are my tribe of Norfolk Terriers. My very first Norfolk, was named Woofie and he personified joy…it didn’t matter what was happening (and he had stuff …blindness, congestive heart condition) but to his very last day, Woofie exhibited his joy every moment. He taught me not to take myself so seriously (a lesson that took years to take root) and his smiling face was a constant. He has been followed by 3 additional Norfolks..each and every one an example of natural, innate joy. There are teachers everywhere of joy – all aspects of nature seem to have joy encoded in their DNA…for example, look at the photo of daisies…to me they look full of joy. This week – set an intention to see your own true nature of joy – call it forth – or start being an eagle scout for joy in your daily encounters.
To help you along, watch this video of the unmitigated joy that is possible.
