Ask most people what they want from life and you will usually get the same answer, “I just want to be happy.” There is a common belief that happiness is something that can not only be achieved, but held on to as well. That goal remains elusive…“the happiness that lasts” is never found because life is forever changing.
It is far better to seek joy. Joy is related to happiness, but it is a deeper experience. In the search for happiness, the individual focuses upon himself/herself. However, joy moves a person out of self-centered preoccupation and provides an orientation towards others. Joy is an experience which connects us to that which is “Greater” than we are. It connects us to the creative power that is more than the “I” or ego. Joy gets us out of ourselves and in contact with this “Other” and with others. Joy can sustain us through all phases of life. If we are willing to give up the search for happiness, we may actually find joy. It exists near the point where happiness and suffering intermingle.
To make such a move requires faith. Faith comes from the action of moving towards a centered life. We must act first, finding hope in the midst of loss, thus giving birth to faith. This is a move that engages rather than avoids suffering. The creative power at the center of life brings into being faith and joy. They exist in the context of love. To love is to respect and value ourselves while breaking out of limited self-interest and reaching out to others. It is love, joy and faith that give meaning to life and they arise from being centered.
It is far better to seek joy. Joy is related to happiness, but it is a deeper experience. In the search for happiness, the individual focuses upon himself/herself. However, joy moves a person out of self-centered preoccupation and provides an orientation towards others. Joy is an experience which connects us to that which is “Greater” than we are. It connects us to the creative power that is more than the “I” or ego. Joy gets us out of ourselves and in contact with this “Other” and with others. Joy can sustain us through all phases of life. If we are willing to give up the search for happiness, we may actually find joy. It exists near the point where happiness and suffering intermingle.
To make such a move requires faith. Faith comes from the action of moving towards a centered life. We must act first, finding hope in the midst of loss, thus giving birth to faith. This is a move that engages rather than avoids suffering. The creative power at the center of life brings into being faith and joy. They exist in the context of love. To love is to respect and value ourselves while breaking out of limited self-interest and reaching out to others. It is love, joy and faith that give meaning to life and they arise from being centered.
I felt like this one was for me too! Another one of your beautiful and inspirational writings I can share. Joy to You!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of happiness and enjoyed reading your blog post on the subject.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I agree with the distinction between joy and happiness that you make, though. I think true, authentic happiness smells and tastes like the joy you think is so much better than that ordinary happiness they sell two-for-one down the local 7-Eleven.
:-)
Of course I could be wrong!
Steve
PS Most people don't truly want to be happy, otherwise they would be! Simple as.