Why do we need to seek joy and not just happiness? What is the difference?
Happiness is an emotion we experience that gives us positive feelings about some aspect of our circumstances, such as giving birth to a child, career promotion, or winning a contest. If the circumstances associated with our happiness change, so will the emotions. Therefore, happiness is temporary, superficial, and connected with our physical existence. Happiness is a state of mind, the feeding of our egos, and the response of our souls to the outer world. When we are happy, we have a sense of peace and serenity about ourselves. However, the peace we experience from happiness is contingent on the lack of chaos or circumstances around us.
Joy is more than an emotion, but a state of being; a state of consciousness associated with feelings of bliss, euphoria, peace, and serenity. It can never originate from one's external circumstances aka the physical world. It is an infinite state of being as opposed to the fleeting superficial effects of our external situation. It is birthed from the spirit or true self, not the mind.The peace and serenity associated with joy rises higher than the lack of chaos, but encompasses acceptance and unconditional love.
Joy, like everything else in the universe, flows outward from the inner spiritual domain. Once acquired, no physical circumstances can impact or destroy it. On the other hand, the presence of joy will definitely impact how life's circumstances are perceived. This is the lesson taught by the Higher Selves...Buddha, Jesus, Krishna...Transcended Masters.
There is only one road to real joy albeit traveled by many different vehicles. It is impossible to acquire real joy without awakening to the higher self. The purpose of religion is to place us on that road. Unfortunately, the purpose of religion has been distorted and manipulated over time. The challenge is to find that pathway amidst all the obstacles.
1. Focus on the Positive: The Law of Attraction says we get what we focus on. Joy exists on the higher planes of our perceptions. Therefore, that is what we must focus on. It is easy to remain positive when we are happy, but what about when the road gets bumpy? Life is going to have ups and downs and we will inevitably experience pain. However, maintaining a positive state of mind regardless of circumstances will propel you closer to where joy resides. Viewing trials and hardships as challenges and opportunities for growth promotes a positive outlook. The awareness that any situation can be transformed must be cultivated. Perceiving this life as a rest stop on a trip to a bigger destination can encourage positive thinking when unpleasant events take place.
2. Show More Compassion: When we genuinely care about the welfare of other living things, we become more aware of what makes us the same or our oneness. Compassion increases our vibrations propelling us closer to our highest selves. The highest self embodies pure love; where ever there is love there is joy. At the same time, compassion makes people want to give more than to receive. The universe recognizes the generosity according to the Law of Cause and Effect or karma. Ultimately, the giver becomes the receiver and will experience even more joy.
3. Forgive and Let Go: Forgiveness is the letting go of the negative feelings associated with a past event. Pushing the release button on negativity frees the mind from a prison of darkness. Carrying the anger, humiliation, and pain associated with a negative experience extinguishes our joy like water puts out a fire. The lack of forgiveness keeps us in a low vibrational state (bad karma). Joy is a high vibrational state that is hindered by unforgiveness. Therefore, the more we forgive, the higher our vibrations...less pain and more joy.
5. Relax the Body & Mind: The more relaxed we are the more aware we are of our inner kingdom. We become more in-tune with the spiritual realm...energy vibrates faster and the pineal gland or third eye is activated. Our third eye is located in the brain and is similar to our physical eyes serving as a receiver of light from inner worlds. It is imperative to eliminate as many sources of stress from one's personal space as possible. Environments that are quiet and peaceful facilitate relaxation. Rituals that promote relaxation and third eye activation, such as meditation and numerous other practices can lead anyone to spiritual enlightenment and pure joy.
Happiness makes distinctions. Joy only perceives oneness.
The goal of every philosophy, religion, and spiritual belief is to show humanity who we really are, why we are here, and our cosmic roles in the scheme of creation. Even certain fields of science are joining forces with spirituality in providing those answers. When we begin to wake up from the illusions thrust upon us, we become enlightened which is a process...it does not happen overnight. The joy may not initially be recognized and one may feel everything from anger to depression to denial! Eventually, if you stay on that road, your awakening will line up with the higher version of you and joy will prevail. It is the state of joy that keeps us connected with higher energy, the higher self, and the oneness that is everything.
Happiness is an emotion we experience that gives us positive feelings about some aspect of our circumstances, such as giving birth to a child, career promotion, or winning a contest. If the circumstances associated with our happiness change, so will the emotions. Therefore, happiness is temporary, superficial, and connected with our physical existence. Happiness is a state of mind, the feeding of our egos, and the response of our souls to the outer world. When we are happy, we have a sense of peace and serenity about ourselves. However, the peace we experience from happiness is contingent on the lack of chaos or circumstances around us.
Happiness is for a moment, but joy is forever!
Our inner world molds and shapes our outer world.
The world cannot impact your joy, but your joy can impact the world.
Simple Steps Leading To The Pot of Gold
2. Show More Compassion: When we genuinely care about the welfare of other living things, we become more aware of what makes us the same or our oneness. Compassion increases our vibrations propelling us closer to our highest selves. The highest self embodies pure love; where ever there is love there is joy. At the same time, compassion makes people want to give more than to receive. The universe recognizes the generosity according to the Law of Cause and Effect or karma. Ultimately, the giver becomes the receiver and will experience even more joy.
3. Forgive and Let Go: Forgiveness is the letting go of the negative feelings associated with a past event. Pushing the release button on negativity frees the mind from a prison of darkness. Carrying the anger, humiliation, and pain associated with a negative experience extinguishes our joy like water puts out a fire. The lack of forgiveness keeps us in a low vibrational state (bad karma). Joy is a high vibrational state that is hindered by unforgiveness. Therefore, the more we forgive, the higher our vibrations...less pain and more joy.
4. Be Grateful: The universe loves gratitude and rewards it with even more things for us to be grateful for (good karma). Being thankful for the goodness in life, no matter how big or small, is crucial because everything has a divine purpose. When we focus on what we don't like about our lives we experience more of it and less joy. The key is to focus on the good things we do have shifting our energy to a more joyous state.
5. Relax the Body & Mind: The more relaxed we are the more aware we are of our inner kingdom. We become more in-tune with the spiritual realm...energy vibrates faster and the pineal gland or third eye is activated. Our third eye is located in the brain and is similar to our physical eyes serving as a receiver of light from inner worlds. It is imperative to eliminate as many sources of stress from one's personal space as possible. Environments that are quiet and peaceful facilitate relaxation. Rituals that promote relaxation and third eye activation, such as meditation and numerous other practices can lead anyone to spiritual enlightenment and pure joy.
Happiness makes distinctions. Joy only perceives oneness.
Don on a pair of headphones and experience pure joy!
