Creation of joy

July 15th, 2023

It is possible — so I was told by writers, philosophers, artists, wise old men and women, mystics, dreamers, idiots, and other people like that whose grip on reality is at best tenuous — that pure joy, that true happiness of the soul can be experienced anywhere, anytime. That joy can be created as a fulfillment of being lifted above every circumstance and still affirming the essential self-being in spite of desires and anxieties.

What a load of bullshit!

That was always my reaction and immediate angry response. Joy and happiness are a direct result of circumstances! I couldn't even begin to comprehend that a distorted imagination can transcend objective needs and bring any possible satisfaction. I couldn't even get the basic grip on the idea that joy can be created, that we can learn how to feel joy — joy that is more than just a result of fulfilled desires. The real joy and happiness that can be felt in spite of inhibition and accidental occurrences outside of our core of self-consciousness. It was beyond my understanding, so I dismissed any talk of that out of hand.

Now I am not so sure about that.

I don't feel completely convinced, but I am willing to accept the possibility of it. And that is because I think I was able to experience it myself. I think I saw a glimpse and felt the transcending calmness of my soul despite the various events in my life that were uneasy and were bringing anxiety to my thinking and were tugging on my emotions. And yet — I felt I was above those incidents and was able to react with a calm detachment. For me, there is only a small step from being calm to being joyous and happy. And it seems that it could be something that I can do. I am willing to give up my previous doubts and willing to give it a try.