Finding Joy in Life

I’m writing today about finding joy and happiness

Joy is uplifting, it’s like the sun, joy is bright and vibrant and it illuminates even the darkest places. Joy is invigorating and energizing, it makes you want to leap, dance and sing.  Joy is associated with youthfulness and a zest for life, which children have in abundance.

Finding Joy in Life

Think how a smile can lighten up your day and how a few positive words can lift you up out of a dark mood. The more  joy you feel within yourself, the more you radiate it outwards and thus bring joy into the world around you. Its contagious. By cultivating joy and happiness and giving them room to grow and flourish, you really can live a joyous life.

Finding Joy in Life – in the physical body

Its hard to feel full of joy when you are ill, tired, lethargic or run down. Ill health and lethargy tend to immobilize the body and deaden the emotions, whereas good health brings lightness, vibrancy, brightness and a spring to the step. So, starting at the very basic level of taking care of the body; eating well, exercising and getting a good night’s sleep all lay the groundwork for finding joy in life.

Finding Joy in Life – in the mind and thoughts

Being positive, optimistic and appreciative bring joy to life. When you wake up in the morning and appreciate all the good things in your life, then each day begins on an uplifted note, which sets the tone for the rest of the day. When your  fill your mind throughout the day with positive thoughts, you cultivate a state of mind in which happiness and joy can blossom and flourish. Everything that happens then becomes an opportunity for learning and growth, rather than a problem or reason to despair. Blame and guilt have no place in a joyful life.

Finding Joy in Life – in the feelings and emotions

Opening the heart is a key component to finding joy in life.  For the warmth generated by an open, loving heart, nourishes the whole being, engendering empathy, compassion and kindness. These heart centred qualities move and inspire concern and care for others. Then, virtue is indeed its own reward, for the more you radiate loving kindness outwards, the more it is returned to you. Love freely given brings happiness and joy to both giver and receiver.

Finding Joy in Life –  in consciousness and spirituality

Spirituality is the primary way of finding joy in life. A spiritual practice whether formal or otherwise, opens up a communication with The Divine/Spirit/God/Goddess/Higher Self. A spiritual practice can involve either meditation, mindfulness, prayer and/or communing with nature.  Joy, happiness and bliss are states associated with spiritual practice and knowledge of the Divine.