Sometimes joy is beyond reach. Most of the time, though, joy finds me when I’m not looking for it, so I can’t say I can cultivate the circumstances or mindset to connect. Joy feels like a surprise. Maybe the unexpectedness is an element of joy.
When I watch young animals at play, they seen to be to be in a state of unbridled joy. Kittens, calves, lambs. colts and fillies and children. That state of joy can be elusive for me if I have to many expectations of what joy should be and how often I should be experiencing joy. For me joy is a bit like happiness. The best way to find joy is to not strive for joy. To be present in the moment and live life as it unfolds without expectations that it should be more than it is, helps me to experience joy from small things. The warming sun on my face and hands on a cold day. A cooling breeze on a warm day. The colors of a sunrise or sunset. And of course, youngsters of all beings at play. So many ways to interpret joy.
My first thought was from CS Lewis, “Surprised by Joy.” This invites me to pay attention.
“All Joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still ‘about to be’.”Joy bursts in our lives when we go about doing the good at hand and not trying to manipulate things and times to achieve joy.”
“Praise is the mode of love which always has some element of joy in it.”
I have often throughout my life, felt that Joy is beyond reach. Times of loneliness, illness, isolation, pressure. I have been the solitary kid, the oboe player in an orchestra when other kids were on the drums or marching in the stadium. But I seemed, as well, always to find a supporter, a champion. I could always, and still now, find solace and joy in the outdoors with its changing seasons and weather, in my backyard busy with squirrels and birds. And here on this site, always, the deep wisdom, light in the darkness, hope and companionship on the journey. Blessings on the day, my Friends.
C.S Lewis was one of the most influential people in my spiritual life. It was to a large extent his writing that influenced my return to my Christian roots in my early twenties when I was on a spiritual quest. His statement (paraphrased) “Either Jesus was who he said he was or he was a complete lunatic” made such tremendous sense. And his life itself was an inspiration.
Thank you for your inspiring post.
Sometimes joy is beyond reach. We can be in intense grief and that needs to be held and nursed not pushed away as a “bad” thing. When we are ready we can seek joy again by focusing on all that we still have and all that we still can do.
I can call out to Joy, validating Joy’s presence. Because of faith, I can admit there’s a time in the future, hopefully soon, when Joy will be a frequent companion in my life, no different than Serenity or Gratitude, Joy is waiting up over the hill. It is I who must journey towards Her.
I don´t know really, but part of it would probably be to give up resistance to what seems to be unchangeable and to accept. I don´t know if this would promote joy, but i will try my best. That´s what i can say for the moment. Thank you.
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Just do it! It’s there- look at nature, babies, something funny.
Augh, yes. Babies’ giggles are precious.
Sometimes joy is beyond reach. Most of the time, though, joy finds me when I’m not looking for it, so I can’t say I can cultivate the circumstances or mindset to connect. Joy feels like a surprise. Maybe the unexpectedness is an element of joy.
Yes!
Great insights, Laura. Thanks.
When I watch young animals at play, they seen to be to be in a state of unbridled joy. Kittens, calves, lambs. colts and fillies and children. That state of joy can be elusive for me if I have to many expectations of what joy should be and how often I should be experiencing joy. For me joy is a bit like happiness. The best way to find joy is to not strive for joy. To be present in the moment and live life as it unfolds without expectations that it should be more than it is, helps me to experience joy from small things. The warming sun on my face and hands on a cold day. A cooling breeze on a warm day. The colors of a sunrise or sunset. And of course, youngsters of all beings at play. So many ways to interpret joy.
My thoughts exactly, Joseph.
Very helpful response, Joseph…as usual from you. Thanks.
My first thought was from CS Lewis, “Surprised by Joy.” This invites me to pay attention.
“All Joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still ‘about to be’.”Joy bursts in our lives when we go about doing the good at hand and not trying to manipulate things and times to achieve joy.”
“Praise is the mode of love which always has some element of joy in it.”
I have often throughout my life, felt that Joy is beyond reach. Times of loneliness, illness, isolation, pressure. I have been the solitary kid, the oboe player in an orchestra when other kids were on the drums or marching in the stadium. But I seemed, as well, always to find a supporter, a champion. I could always, and still now, find solace and joy in the outdoors with its changing seasons and weather, in my backyard busy with squirrels and birds. And here on this site, always, the deep wisdom, light in the darkness, hope and companionship on the journey. Blessings on the day, my Friends.
C.S Lewis was one of the most influential people in my spiritual life. It was to a large extent his writing that influenced my return to my Christian roots in my early twenties when I was on a spiritual quest. His statement (paraphrased) “Either Jesus was who he said he was or he was a complete lunatic” made such tremendous sense. And his life itself was an inspiration.
Thank you for your inspiring post.
After all, everyone else tunes to the oboe!
Lol! Indeed, you speak truth, Barb!
Ditto to Joseph’s comment
Lovely. Thanks, Pilgrim.
I thought of “Surprised by Joy,” too, Pilgrim. I hope joy finds you today.
Thank you, so much dear Pilgrim. You have brought about a feeling of joy in me.
Sometimes joy is beyond reach. We can be in intense grief and that needs to be held and nursed not pushed away as a “bad” thing. When we are ready we can seek joy again by focusing on all that we still have and all that we still can do.
Yes for sure!
I can call out to Joy, validating Joy’s presence. Because of faith, I can admit there’s a time in the future, hopefully soon, when Joy will be a frequent companion in my life, no different than Serenity or Gratitude, Joy is waiting up over the hill. It is I who must journey towards Her.
Reach further…..
I don´t know really, but part of it would probably be to give up resistance to what seems to be unchangeable and to accept. I don´t know if this would promote joy, but i will try my best. That´s what i can say for the moment. Thank you.