I have been thinking about JOY. I guess because it's that time of the year when the word joy is used and seen more often that any other, but what is joy, what makes it different from being happy?
Definition of JOY - a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Nope, it's more than that.
How the arrangement of three letters expresses a sometimes overwhelming and always comforting emotion is a wonder in itself. Joy creates a smile on our face, a skip in our feet, a hope in our hearts. Joy out sparkles festive lights adorning homes and streets in this season of midwinter celebrations. Joy is noisy with hearty laughs, screeches of delight, outward gasps. In busy lives and hectic thoughts this loud joy is what we notice.
But joy is available to all of us throughout each day if we slow enough to be aware. Tiny moments bringing light and enriching our lives. Tiny moments that could pass us by if we are not looking.
Today, I felt joy when...
The sun sparkled on frost out the window
I saw a frozen puddle, gloriously patterned with gentle swirls
I had an idea for the edges of pages in an art sketchbook I am making from a tired discarded book
A line for a poem popped into my head as I was walking, so strong I had to stop and write it down
I wanted to visit my writing hut and write ...
and it is only 10.57
Joy is a healthy emotion, and not as fleeting as we might think for it triggers changes both physiological and psychological. A joyous smile is involuntary and reaches our eyes, the sparkle of joy. Joy sparks an increase in heartbeat, faster breathing, and warmth as a release of noradrenaline prepares us for movement, both physical and mental. Not the fight and flight from fear but a flush of a gentle 'I can do' attitude. Joy sparks pleasure hot spots in the brain, dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. No wonder it feels so good.
Some people naturally feel more joy, it's in their genetic makeup, but we can all find joy, everyday, if we slow a little, pay more attention, and recognise what is happening in our body and brain.
Next time you feel an involuntary smile that reaches your eyes, pause and enjoy.
I wish you all many moments of joy.
Do share your joy moments...
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