During the winter holiday season, many people sang about “Joy to the world.” Rule # 6 in the Marie Kondo method of decluttering says, “Ask yourself if something sparks joy”( https://konmari.com/). The Buddha suggested, “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves” (https://www.brainyquote.com). Joseph Campbell, mythologist, writer, professor, says about ‘joy’, “Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain” (https://www.brainyquote.com). What is ‘joy’ and what brings you joy?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ‘joy’ is, “…a feeling a great pleasure and happiness” (www.oed.com). In the Collins Dictionary of Synonyms, at least 21 synonyms for ‘joy’ are listed ranging from the milder meaning of ‘satisfaction’ to the extra meaning of ‘ecstasy’ (https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english-thesaurus/joy#google_vignette). With such a wide range of meanings and shades of value, what is joy and what brings us joy are subjective.
Perhaps your collection of owl figurines give you joy; for me, I would throw them out because I feel no delight or attachment to them. How do feelings of joy rise above the struggles / challenges of everyday life? Is joy sustainable? Researcher and writer, Brent Brown, shares, “Sometimes we miss out on the bursts of joy because we're too busy chasing down the extraordinary moments. Other times we're so afraid of the dark we don't dare let ourselves enjoy the light. A joyful life is not a floodlight of joy. That would eventually become unbearable” (https://brenebrown.com). The emotion, joy, is more complicated than it first appears. Titles of articles in Psychology Today highlight this: “7 Reasons You Might Avoid Joy” (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-hope-circuit/202308/7-reasons-you-might-avoid-joy), “The Hidden Power of Joy” (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-of-slow/202211/the-hidden-power-of-joy). “Joy Doesn’t Need Despair” (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-control/202206/joy-doesnt-need-despair).
For me, ‘joy’ is both an emotion and a mindset. On the spectrum of happiness, joy is deeper and is temporary. Some things that elicit joy in me include spnding time with my daughter - even getting a phone call from her, snuggling with my dachshunds, enjoying a delicious meal out, spending time with good friends, listening to uplifting music, reading, traveling, learning something new. My experience of joy is not, however, dependent on other people. I often feel joy being alone.
How do you define joy in your life? What brings you joy? Please share your stories, thoughts, insights, and suggestions by either commenting below this post if you are reading this on social media, or, if you are reading this through your email subscription, please share, by emailing me, at reimaginelife22@gmail.com.
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