In continuation of my thoughts on joy from our post yesterday, I refer to William George Jordan’s point that:
The people who have this joy of life do not talk of it, they radiate it; they do not tire you with cheap preachments about looking on the bright side, taking inventories of your blessings, and telling yourself how happy you are when all the while you have inside information that you are miserable; they just live their joy and let it splash its sunlight and glow into other lives as naturally as a bird sings.
Cynics will often use Ned Flanders types to justify their dubiousness when it comes to joy. You’ve probably run into people whose expression of joy seems fake, forced and shallow and it can be a little disconcerting, more repulsive than infectious. Likewise, you’ve no doubt encountered others whose joyous atmosphere seems to surge from a deep and inexhaustible source. Such joy can be more intimidating if you are really hell-bent on having a bad time and immensely inspiring if you are eager to live your life more fully.
You cannot trick another into the experience of true joy. There may be drugs that give the illusion of joy, experiences which distract your attention from that which troubles you long enough to allow a little joy to bubble up in you, but the consistent, sustainable, steady expression of true joy emerges only from the depths of your deepest inner nature, that is, the part of you that has never been touched, hurt or mocked by the world around you.
There is such a place in you, dear readers, no matter how poorly treated you’ve been by the world, no matter how hard your life has been or how much pain and suffering you’ve had to slough through. It may seem buried at times, and even dead in others, but be assured, there is a part of you which remains whole, sacred and perfect.
Gregory Hake 
This joy you speak of is contagious. Like watching a puppy pounce after blowing leaves – it immediately brings a smile and joy. And I sense that this joy is just a reflection of the greater joy that resides in each of us as you mention.
I have discovered that we must be very diligent in discerning what are the best influences around us. Influences have a great effect on us, far greater than we imagine. And there are numerous influences that would have us live in doubt, fear, hatred…
To live a joyful, abundant life I’ve discovered that my thoughts and actions must always start from a place of gratitude and appreciation. Something you’ve mentioned often in previous posts. From gratitude and appreciation it’s much easier to see all the joy around us and to begin to allow what is inside to flow out.
Thank you for continuing this blog. Thank you continuing to encourage each of us to discover the best in ourselves and being of service to others.
LikeLike
Great points, Brad. Gratitude and appreciation are always the perfect place to start!
LikeLike
This raises the question as to what is genuinely inspiring. ‘Inspiration’ has been turned into a lucrative industry, but while pep talks and relentless appearances of enthusiasm may get a few people over the bumps in their lives, real inspiration is sparked by untheatrical example. It can be inspiring to see someone prove a discouraging precedent wrong. Even so, there are those whose batteries really can’t seem to take a charge in that sense, and others who seem to thrive on the appearance of being inspired. They play their parts, in other words, in the theatre, but do little to allow the spark to become a flame in their own field of responsibility.
Ultimately one who is inspired, actually ‘in the spirit,’ will also be inspiring. Radiance can’t be kept bottled up inside, and there is no need to make a show. These is, however, a great need for those whose lives reveal, in detail, the beauty and the success of radiant giving.
LikeLike
The holidays create this “need” for joy. So much of it seems rote, artificial or forced. Pure joy is ignited from the inner. Good reminder! Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLike
Beautiful post thanks!
LikeLike
I believe that too though I wonder at times when I see people who make their life’s purpose to hurt another. What type of pleasure is felt by one who dedicates themselves to wounding their fellows, with words or force? I think true joy is the result of the expression of our higher nature. I love your blog, it speaks to my higher nature, thanks.
LikeLike