SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 312

WE ARE EXPLORING THE HEAVENLY ATTRIBUTE OF JOY

+ We are called to create and enjoy a realm of compassion, peace, justice and sustainable abundance for all.

+ We need to approach our state of mind with curiosity and open wonder. That curious listening to life is a joy — no matter what the mood of our life is.

-- Charlotte Joko Beck in Finding What You Didn't Lose by John Fox

+ Joy is the happiness that doesn't depend on what happens.
-- Br. David Steindl-Rast

+ For happiness one needs security, but joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair.
-- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

+ These teachers of wisdom agree that joy is different than happiness.  I have heard excellent sermons  making that significant contrast.  Maybe even I preached one or more.  I heard one recently by Jeanne Kumbalek, pastor of First PresbyterianChurch, Utica NY which is where Mary & I go to church. 

The more I reflect on this understanding of joy, the more I am aware of how important it is to make this distinction.  There is plenty of pain in the world. No doubt about it. But, through intention and attention and practice, we can come to the profound awareness that pain is temporary and joy is permanent. The world needs this awareness and we can spread it. The world needs our joy.

+ Spirituality & Practice offers plenty of resources on the spiritual practice of Joy. Also, there is an S&P Twelves Gallery of memes on Joy.

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post.  And, I have work to do on the Abundancetrek Joy page.  Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Joy” or “Heavenly Attributes” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html