As the philosopher Spinoza observed, joy reflects a sense that we are moving toward our best selves. When joyful we feel uplifted, hopeful, and freer.
Everything seems better and the world seems larger.
What usually triggers joy?
Our primitive aspect likes winning, exploring, power, novelty, and possessions. It likes sensory pleasures including food, sex, natural beauty, exertion, and rest. When frustrated, though, it likes to destroy.
Our social aspect likes to fit in, feel accepted, and valued. It likes to love and be loved - tend others, be protective, play, and seek justice. It likes relationships, unions, and families. When frustrated, it likes to turn the other cheek.
Our reasonable aspect likes understanding, meaning, purpose, and self-esteem. It likes making successful strategies and plans, coordinating with the social and primitive. When frustrated, it likes a break and is willing to wait for another chance.
Joy also can trigger joy.
Last week's royal wedding was joyful on many levels.
The bride and ceremony were beautiful.
The couple seemed delighted and their apparent joy was infectious.
The union stirred hope for relationships, for a shared history, and for us all.
Even skeptics took joy in trying to be above it all.
Mi aspecto razonable esta feliz con este post tan claro y educativo. La alegría y su máxima expresión -la risa-, son algo tan agradable de sentir, en uno y en los demás. Me gusta mucho este trabajo detectivesco que nos propones realizar. Gracias!
Posted by: Alice | 05/04/2011 at 10:37 AM
Joy is a beautiful emotion.
I love it when joy takes an important place in my life.
All the three aspects of my self love it :)
Posted by: Elsita :) | 05/03/2011 at 08:27 PM