"Joy"
C2002 Gail Pursell Elliott
In the film Devil’s Advocate, the young attorney is offered “bliss on tap.”
Examples of ‘bliss’ were then offered, all of them feelings and situations
relating to external stimulation or the anticipation of them. The perceptive
young man replies, “ You’ll have to do better than that.”
When he asks about love, the response is: “Over-rated. Biochemically no
different than eating large quantities of chocolate.” As someone who tested
this theory before ever hearing the statement, I can tell you that it didn’t
work for me.
The dictionary defines joy as extreme happiness and the modern definition of
bliss is extreme joy of a spiritual nature. Not at all fitting the descriptions
outlined at the beginning of this message.
What is Joy? A state of mind? A state of emotion? A temporary state of
euphoria? A state of being? How do we define joy in our lives? With the
presence of extremely positive outer circumstances or is it simply a point of
view?
My webmaster, Donna Kopitsky, has told me that she believes that joy emanates
from love and allows us to have fun. This is an interesting point. She’s not
talking about romantic love but something deeper, more personal and
unconditional.
A teacher remarked that one of her students is a joy to be around. When asked
what she meant by that, she said that he always smiles, is cheerful and
respectful. And it’s genuine. He participates well and has fun in the context
of the class. But beyond that, when he comes into class it seems as if a light
has entered the room with him. The student seems to radiate happiness and a
sense of peace. Perhaps that is an indication of what Joy is about.
Joy is like taking a deep breath of fresh air or a long drink of cool water on a
hot day.
Joy is an ultimate AHA experience.
Joy can be quiet or exuberant.
Joy enables us to see light shining behind darkness.
Joy is a state of inner freedom.
Joy allows us to appreciate rather than try to control the world around us.
Joy is an indicator of inner peace.
Joy is state of unconditional self-acceptance.
Joy emanates from a conscious awareness of our true selves.
Joy is something we generally expect to be associated with outer experiences.
But it something that has to do with an inner attitude of insight and awareness.
Once we find that point of unconditional love within ourselves, joy radiates
from us. And at that point we remember how to really have fun.
Have a Great Day and be good to yourself. You deserve it!
Gail
Copyright ©2002 Gail Pursell Elliott All rights reserved.
Food For Thought is part of the Dignity and Respect message that is Innovations.
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