Within the world of Buddhism, there is a concept known as the Seven Factors of Awakening. Do you know what one of those factors is? Joy. I am so grateful for my curiosity leading me to research the difference between happiness and joyousness or joyfulness. Like all the others before, this cycle has proven to be very informational and groundbreaking for me. Choosing more moments to simply channel more joy has been a breath of fresh air. I can now appreciate larger aspects of time in my life as a result. It will not make everything better, but it allows me to improve how I live amid much mayhem.
We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.
-Joseph Campbell
Joy blooms where minds and hearts are open.
-Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Is there really much mayhem, though, or are we too focused on the finite frontlines? If we can zoom out and look at the bigger picture, then I believe we can begin to see subtler pieces at play behind the scenes. In fact, a macro view enables us to joyfully observe the natural balance that is unfolding harmoniously. If you find yourself unaligned with joy, then feel free to uproot yourself and begin again anew. I know that statement is easier said than done, but do not let your fear of change hold you back from finding your joy.
I give you this to take with you: Nothing remains as it was. If you know this, you can begin again, with pure joy in the uprooting.
-Judith Minty
We endure difficult moments, but I do not think we should repeatedly endure the same difficult moments. I believe that these are tests in our life to see if we will begin to rise up and respond differently. Can we do better and attain more success? Not in a material way, but in a personal way. Are we capable of embodying more excellence in character and values? Can you start tuning in to more of the boundless joy that is already all around?
"you know the healing is real when you find more joy in unexpected places. when the wind touches your face gently and you cannot help but smile. when you look into the eyes of a friend and know that the connection you share has become deeper. when you feel the strength of having overcome so much and the lightness of no longer carrying as many past burdens. life itself has a radiant shimmer that you can more easily tap into. not only are you tuned into the boundless joy of the universe, you can easily flow with a path that leads you to greater inner and outer success."
-yung pueblo
True and lasting inner joy does not arise from anything on the outside. None of that will last. Instead, it arises on the inside. Reach a level of personal comfort and calm that allows you to move forward through any and all challenges with a persistent joy.
The only way to find permanent joy is by embracing the fact that nothing is permanent.
-Martha Beck
The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.
-Thích Nhất Hanh
Buddhism values joy as a gained attribute along the way. As you begin to be more mindful and calm, you open yourself up to finding the brighter spots in each and every moment. It really boils down to how you are approaching life in your lane. Are you rushing around or proceeding peacefully? Do you have rampant thoughts running wild, or can you string together sincere threads? Are you feeling pure emotions or corrupt ones?
We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.
-Buddha
Do you move through life with your mind, heart, and soul in sync? This full alignment is how we begin to purify ourselves. Without the proper connections and channels flowing together, balance eludes us. As we feel and cultivate pure emotions, we begin to heal.
If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment.
-Carlos Santana
And joy is everywhere; it is in the earth’s green covering of grass; in the blue serenity of the sky.
-Rabindranath Tagore
Do you choose to see and appreciate the joy in your life? Joy really is all around us all, but it is up to each of us to identify it and let it in. I sugjest welcoming and enjoying joy.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.