I am thankful for the traditional healers that exist across so many societies in the world, people like mystics, oracles, seers, and shamans. While watching an informational video earlier this week, my interest was piqued when I heard the mention of a healer’s amount of joy being related to their effectiveness of practice. A healer should first heal themself well. Then, as a more wholly integrated individual, they can better serve their community, providing a potent purpose that promotes well-being. Many of the brightest healers often have the darkest pasts. One can often lead to the other, and it also typically results in a lot of overflowing joy. Their abundance of joyousness arises as they find their way and fulfill their highest calling. How joyful would you be knowing you are on your best path?
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.
-Rabindranath Tagore
The role of authentic healers is rarely posh and glamorous. The tests and trials that are demanded of them can be severe and strenuous. Yet, these people are often some of the happiest and most joyful you will find. They know who they are and what they are doing. The amount of joy that can be possible with such realizations is really, truly life-changing.
Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of [people], but from doing something worthwhile.
-W. Grenfell
In my opinion, the results at the end are not what matter. We can take each step of the journey during our lives with meaning. Are you trudging along or joyously jaunting? We can lament our life’s position, fomenting the current state of things. Or, we can look for and find the sparks of joy that help us plan a path forward. We can provide a peek at our possibilities to improve. We have examples to see how others have healed. Why can we not then do the same? It fills me with joy at the thought of following in such footsteps.
The struggle, like life itself, should be joyful.
-Miriam Miranda
Healing is not easy. It can be difficult and painful. The result is well worth it, though. The amount of joy that awaits is significant and substantial. Imagine reaching a point where joy persists amidst any and all problems. It may sound far-fetched for now, but I can see glimpses of such glamour. I will not suppress any emotions going forward, yet they will all be easier to handle and navigate if joy is always simmering on a burner as well. Am I joyful because of my smile, or do I smile because of my joy? Does chicken or egg matter?
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
-Thích Nhất Hanh
Traditional healers amaze me with their capabilities and practices. Their levels of discipline and self-mastery demonstrate key ideals to develop joyful fulfillment.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.