Have you ever checked out an emotion wheel? If not, Google the term. You'll find there are a myriad of emotions. We express only a few feelings in ordinary dialogue. For example, when was the last time you told someone, "I feel provoked right now!" Yes, "provoked" rests on at least one emotion wheel.
One feeling resembles a small child made to participate in a family portrait. He's told to stand in the back with all the tall family members and becomes overtaken by those in front of him. He's there, but you can't find him in the photo. The tall family members don't represent anything metaphorical. At least, I think not. Those family members who shield him from being seen in the photo express happiness, contentment, excitement, and surprise. There is nothing wrong with those emotions on a general level. They seem to get more attention, while another feeling isn't as commented on as much.
Joy doesn't receive the spotlight it so rightly deserves.
Joy involves internal and external components. What I feel on the inside represents the internal. What I experience around me lends itself to the external. How I portray joy to others often starts internally and proceeds to the external. Joy thrives in the moment. There are no strings attached to joy. You get what you see—authenticity links to joy in a heartfelt way.
For adults, joy imitates the innocence found with child-like awe and wonder. Joy comes in the most minor things for children—a piece of cotton candy. A child plays with friends in the rain. Adults tend to lose their grip on joy by utilizing a carefree demeanour. Children remind us when we could enjoy something without seeking out or worrying about conditions.
Enjoy. That is an interesting word. We could break the word down into "engaging with joy." Or take the word "rejoice." Being able to experience joy repeatedly. Seeking joy sucks the fun out of spontaneity. Joy relishes random encounters and events. When we aren't actively seeking the emotion. Whereas happiness is often based on an outside variable, joy doesn't necessarily need something or someone to prop up the emotion. Therein lies the power of joy.
Someone may rip happiness apart by taking something away, such as a plane ticket to an all-inclusive resort. For joy, far more unconditional. Regarding suffering, happiness fades into oblivion. Joy may linger even in the most dubious circumstances since the emotion waits for no one to fulfill expectations. I encourage you to enjoy the joy when encountering the feeling. Savour the experience. I wish you all the joy in the world as you proceed on your journey. Take care!
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