“Happiness is a superstition but Joy is our
birthright.
Happiness comes from getting what you want,
Joy from being who you really are.
The deeper you go, the less definable you
become and the realer you feel.
There is nothing for us to get and
everything for us to be.
Joy is who we really are when we stop
pretending we’re not free.”
-- Stephen Levine
“Never miss a joy in this world of trouble –
that’s my theory! ... Happiness, like mercy, is
twice blest: it blesses those most intimately
associated with it and it blesses all those who
see it, hear it, touch it or breathe the same
atmosphere.” -- Kate Douglas Wiggin
“Now and then it is good to pause in our pursuit
of joy and just be joyful.” -- Anonymous
“The future, higher evolution will belong to
those who live in joy, who share joy, and who
spread joy.” -- Torkom Saraydarian |
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“Joy is prayer - Joy is strength - Joy is
love - Joy is a net of love by which you can
catch souls. She gives most who gives with
joy.” -- Mother Teresa
Joy is a quality of the soul. Sages tell us
that joy is realized when the personality and
soul are in harmony. Joy can also be defined
as the feeling or energy of love.
Unconditional love is our essence and joy its
expression.
How does joy differ from ordinary happiness?
Joy is untouched by circumstances, whereas
happiness is affected by what goes on around
us. Joy can grow in spite of conditions;
happiness cannot. That is why ‘Joy is an
inside job.’
How can you live your joy each day? The first
step to activating our inner joy is to
eliminate the blocks to it. Anything you can
do to discover and transform your shadows will
lead you on the path to joy. You will also
experience joy when you are engaged in those
pastimes that most fulfill you.
The Ancient Egyptians saw joy as a sacred
responsibility. They believed that upon their
death, the God Osiris would ask them two
questions: “Did you bring Joy?” and “Did you
find Joy?” Those who answered ‘yes’ could
continue their journey into the afterlife.
For at least the next week or two, ask
yourself these two questions each and every
day:
• Did I find joy?
• Did I bring joy?
In truth, joy is one of the greatest gifts we
can give to people around us. Those who are
unhappy need our joy, not our sadness.
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