Happiness and joy are both important ingredients to consider in the pursuit of a life lived with meaning. It is important to begin differentiating experiences of joy and happiness to better understand their impact on your life and where, exactly, to access each of them.
Happiness can be found externally, its opposite, sadness, likewise. While they absolutely affect internal emotional and cognitive processes, they are not found within us. On the other hand, joy is the fountain and source of refreshing peace inside of us. Regardless of whether we are happy or sad, we can still go inward to access the joy we carry with us always. It is deep, and only we have permission to let go or lose sight of that source.
How can you find your source of joy?
Practice tuning in to your personal truth. Rather than giving in to impulses or compulsive desires for instant satisfaction and gratification, stop and breathe. Ask your body what it really needs. The reason you feel an impulse presenting itself is because there is a deeper unmet need. By slowing down and allowing the mind and body to reconnect, you gain access to the codes your body uses to signal to the mind what kind of care is needed to resolve the anxiety or dis-ease and achieve wellbeing.
Try this reflection:
- Settle into stillness and let your muscles soften.
- Pay attention to your breathing for a moment.
- Scan the body. What are you noticing?
- Ask yourself one question at a time.
- Breathe. Let an insight surface without judgment or justification.
Reflection questions for joy and happiness
- What are some sources of happiness in your life?
- How have you gone inward to discover your inner joy?
- Which emotionally charged scenarios distract you from joy and peace?
- When do you feel most connected to joy in work or personal life?
- How does your professional journey bring happiness and inspire joy for you?
- What key action are you willing to commit to regularly to access your joy?
