The Path of Peace: Joy

June 2009 Newsletter Article

The beginning of summer and our journey of cultivating inner peace continues with the contemplation of Joy.

In contemplating joy it seems most of us spend a majority of our adult life doing what we think we "should" do. Fulfilling obligations out of guilt, shame, or fear. When we have compassion for ourselves and allow ourselves to listen to our hearts and express ourselves through doing something that we enjoy we are in a state that is full of freedom, aliveness, beingness, ease and grace. We are then aligned with our hearts and higher purpose.

What if, we allowed ourselves to be in our joy more often? What if we stopped doing what we think we "should" do? What if we stopped doing anything out of guilt, shame or fear and followed our hearts and our joy? We would notice that it is when we are in our joy that we are aligned with our soul's intentions, aligned with Divine Source and a true light in our home and communities. We then give permission to others to be in their joy. Can you imagine a household full of beings expressing their joy? Each supporting the other in living their deepest expression and highest purpose?

What do you enjoy doing? What is your deepest desire for your life? You are invited to listen to your heart, see what brings you into a place of joy. Ask others what they want their lives to look like and what they have always wanted to create. When we know this about another, we can then support them in getting there while being on the same page with them. We can be in their space of joy. This sharing allows us to co-create, share, network, give and receive messages and inspiration that supports our passions and purpose.

May we have the courage to live with joy!

Live in Joy, in love, even among those who hate. Live in joy, in health, even among the afflicted. Live in joy, in peace, even among the troubled. Look within. Be still. Free from fear and attachment. Know the sweet joy of living in the way. There is no fire like greed, no crime like hatred, no sorrow like separation, no sickness like hunger of heart, and no joy like the joy of freedom. Health, contentment and trust are your greatest possessions. And freedom your greatest joy. Look within. Be still. Free from fear and attachment. Know the sweet joy of living in the way.
— rom the Dhammapada, Words of the Buddha