Joy

Joy and joyful

Musings of an aspiring writer

By Anja Kopp-Roberts

Part Fifteen                                                                  Joy

Joy, joyful, joy-filled, joyous and enjoy. All words that express a state of love and happiness.

I love what I am doing; it brings me great joy.

I enjoy what I am doing; it makes me happy.

I am happy because I do what brings me joy.

Life is filled with joyous moments and sorrow. How we travel along the river of life, weather the storms, and rise from the ashes when life has pulled the rug from under our feet is up to us. Along life's journey, we can lose our hearts, lose our connection within, and get embroiled in the drama of life instead of being the observer. Most of us are stuck permanently in a survival mood, reacting to life instead of responding.

My new cat, Arwen, who entered my life a month ago, makes me happy. Caring for and playing with her brings me joy, creating a deep sense of inner peace and contentment.  Joy can be found anywhere; all that’s required is to look. Walking in the local park, I hear children playing; their happiness is evident, making me smile. I remember when I spent hours playing with my children. I hear dogs barking like mad; their joy in being out and running around can be heard throughout the park. Again, I witness joy. I was getting up early enough to see the sunrise, which made me smile. I was mesmerised by the bright hues of orange, pink and yellow, the promise of another day filled with possibilities and happiness.

It helps that I don’t sour my start to the day by listening to or watching the news. Nothing joyful comes out of those stations.

Instead, I make myself a cup of coffee, sort the cat out and meditate.

My daily practice of meditation helps me stay in balance. I can see what is moving inside of me, which thoughts and emotions are rising to the surface. What is ready to be seen and accepted so it can leave? Emotions are energy in motion, and our thoughts create our emotions (primarily).

I say primarily for a reason, for not always are emotions triggered by thought. It’s not easy to put it down on paper. When emotion – energy – is moving through the body, the ego mind is desperate to grab onto it and label the movement of the energy. And yet, in meditation, I observe, watch what is taking place, and go deeper. Behind every thought is another thought. It is like an onion, a never-ending spiral, going deeper and deeper until all is cleared and released. With practice, I see the cosmic joke, and I smile often. Being the observer of my life, seeing the avatar (that would be Anja) finding her feet.

Experience the feeling of joy, happiness, and love is a mindset. No one can make you happy, make you feel joyful, or make you feel loved. It starts and ends with you. You attract what you send out. Find happiness, joy, and love within yourself.

Do you love yourself?

Do you feel happy?

Do you feel joy?

I am not saying it is easy to change one’s perception or that inner work is easy. Love is not always light and fluffy. The journey to being authentic and radiating the bright light that you are is a long one. What you put in, you get out.

Have I figured it all out? Nope. Whenever I think I've figured it out, something else crops up. Alas, onwards and upwards. There is no turning back or stopping. Where will this path lead to? Who knows? For now, for today, it is a beautiful path. I do what I love doing, and I feel joy in every cell of my being. The key to feeling joy is to be in the present moment and grateful for all I have and all that was. Children and pets teach us that – being in the here and now. I believe that the greatest gift we can give to ourselves is to be present and to be fully present when we are with others.

Thank you for reading; I hope you enjoy it.

Much love

Anja xx