While on a Spiritual journey, one usually looks for a way to incorporate gratefulness, freedom and peace into their lives. Oftentimes, we forget to seek consistent joy. Joy is a part of Spiritual growth and we can find it almost everywhere we look---If we REALLY look. Joy comes in all forms--Be it through just taking in a breath or looking at a flower, it is up to you to define what "joy" is for you.
Joy, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune; or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. When you are in a joyous frame of mind, you find that anger, resentment and loneliness will disappear. You see, at the end of it all, perspective is the key to finding joy. Looking at people, places, things and situations as experiences, lessons and reflections of ourselves, is at the core of our very Being. We all find ourselves, at some point in our lives, questioning why we are here or what our Purpose really is. We think our Purpose is to be the CEO of a company or to be a mother/father/caretaker to little ones. However, ultimately, we are here to learn, teach and reflect on our progress as Spirits experiencing a physical existence.
At some point, we realize that how we treat ourselves is how we treat others.If you treat yourself as a most precious, priceless, coveted possession, then you will treat others as such. When we truly awake to that reality, then we begin to understand that we are here to find joy in being unique Physical Beings who are meant to share Joy with others. This is our Purpose.
We must also realize that there are some who will never know why they are here, and that's OK. However, for those who know, it is imperative that we share that Joy and find ways to increase it in the lives of others because bringing happiness to others increases your own happiness.
Four Ways to Find Joy:
1. Appreciate the small things: This may sound quite common-place, but it is oh-so true. When you wake up in the morning and see that the weather is rainy, find joy in it. The earth needs water, you need water--It's a win-win, right? If we don't have water, how can we ever thrive? If a driver swerves in front of you while on the way to work, blow it off and find joy in the fact that your life was spared due to YOUR quick reflexes. We all get distracted -- Even you have been THAT person who swerved in front of another a time or two yourself, so remember those things and how YOU felt when you realized YOU could have hurt another person due to YOU being distracted while driving.
2. Stop worrying: I know, I know. It's so hard to stop worrying about the bills, the car, the kids, and the co-worker who's a pain-in-the-ass...BUT.. Is worrying about any of this really helping you? Answer me this: If there is a solution to the problem, why worry? If there isn't a solution, again--Why worry? Instead, focus on the things that can be solved and do your best to get rid of or move away from the things that can't.
3. Don't have fear: Fear of failure is the main driving force that stops us from doing and having what we really desire. It keeps us immobilized. Stop the "What if" and the "What about" scenarios. If you let fear control you, you'll be at the same dead-end job, stay in that relationship-going-nowhere and you'll live in that boring, one-horse town for the rest of your life. We are here to have experiences that broaden our senses, and make us feel alive and connected to others. Fear is healthy in fight or flight scenarios, not in day-to-day life activities where being in the present and seeing life as a gift to enjoy fully is paramount to your well-being.
4. Change your thinking: We are what we think. It's just that simple. If you believe that you won't be successful, then you won't be. If you believe that life is a one-time deal and you are here to experience it all, then you will find a way to do so. Perspective is a wonderful thing to behold and when you use it wisely, Joy abounds in ways you thought didn't exist. Joy is everywhere. You just have to find it.
"Joy, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune; or by the prospect of possessing what one desires."
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