Soul Work: Joy
80The Color of Joy
Soul Work Series: 1 of 5
Joy is an emotion that occurs spontaneously, from the depths of our Being. It is not something that can be forced or faked. It is closely associated with happiness; however, it is not the same as being happy. How does joy occur? Do you recall the last time you were joyful
If an emotion were a color, joy would be yellow. Envision the wonderfully joyful things that are in our world. The first thing that may come to one’s mind is the sun. At an early age, young children learn to grab the big, fat yellow crayon and draw the sun at the top of the page.
Yellow makes you giggle. It is the effervescent and irresistible bubbles that rise from the depth of our belly when we are feeling delighted.
It is the sprinkling of iridescent nightlight: twinkling stars; round, full moons; and the subtle hum of fireflies blinking in the dark.
Springtime brings yellow daffodils, one of the first flowers to poke its head out of the crusty, winter soil, and by midsummer, the bright sunflower nods its head to follow the path of the sun.
Bright yellow makes one stand up and take notice. Remember the, once popular, ‘happy face’ of the early ‘70’s? People everywhere sported their own personal versions on bumper stickers, t-shirts, and spare tire covers at the end of the family camper. Later, this icon cleverly showed up in the 1994 movie, Forrest Gump.
Characterisitcs of Joy
Feeling joyful is undeniably different from feeling happy. Happiness may be the result of an achievement, or event. “I was so happy I won the contest,” for example. Or, we may find ourselves saying, “You make me so happy,” when we are in a new love relationship.
Joy, however, is a deeper feeling that arises from a place in the heart or soul. It may or may not be associated with any outside entity or situation. It has a light, energized, playful quality to it that makes it seem childlike.
Words to describe Joy
Innocence and delight are two words that describe the essence of joy. In a manner of speaking, the simplicity of joy enhances the innocence. Visualize a two year old at play. The whole world is an unknown field waiting to be explored. One of the primary qualities that the toddler utilizes in his play is curiosity. Not with a goal in mind, or a motive to acquire, but with a pure innocence and desire to explore. This is the nature of the two year old-the delight with the discovery he is making, while learning the truth of his world.
Secrets of the Heart
Joy reaches beyond happiness in an overflowing, bursting-with-energy feeling. But, what is the source or wellspring of this emotion?
In some spiritual practices, such as Sufism, there is a belief that there are essential aspects of the soul. This belief is also part of many nontraditional, mystery schools. The understanding is that it is our true nature to follow a path of soul development, towards authenticity.
Wings of Joy
How joyful sings my Heart,
A song both old and new.
It rises from the shelves
Of dark corners long forgotten,
And on wing-tipped heels,
Flies to the edge of the Universe…
And beyond.
(Denise Handlon 4/8/10)
Perception Centers
Pure joy is an innate quality that resides in a center within the body. Similar to the energy centers of the Chakras, the perception centers are not visible to the naked eye, but are sensory centers associated with one’s spiritual Being. These subtle centers of perception include: joy, strength, confidence, peace and loving-kindness.
Joy, located on the left side of the body near the heart, can be experienced as a heart’s desire.
Imagine a moment, if you will, in which you have used the word joyless to describe an experience you’ve had. It can be a social experience, which you wish would have turned out differently, or something more personal. Now, think of the sensation in your body as you remember the experience of being in a joyless moment…a joyless relationship…a joyless life.
One can almost feel the energy seep out once more, as a memory of joylessness is brought forth. There is heaviness, perhaps sorrow. Little motivation is available, making one feel stuck. This quagmire becomes status quo, mundane.
Now, conjure up a memory in which you have experienced pure, unadulterated joy. As you bring the situation to your mind, remember as well, the sensation that the joyful experience created. If you are truthful in this investigation, you will probably recall the qualities described earlier: a playful, lighthearted feeling, lifting your spirits and delighting all of your being; an invigorating embracement of the infinite potential of your life.
Honoring your heart's desire
How do you honor your joy that is a-waiting to ‘fly to the edge of the Universe’? A simple exercise to look into your own heart’s desire is to sit in quiet contemplation. Take a few slow, deep breaths to help relax your mind/body, and inquire into what your heart is feeling. Stay focused for 10-15 minutes, concentrating on the Heart Center. Be vigilant in your discrimination of the sensations that arise. Be in the experience, the body connection, not the mind’s demand for attention. Set any thoughts or analytical critiques aside, maintaining the body experience. Following the contemplation period, write down anything you were aware of. Remind yourself to stay fully present, as you continue to go about your daily routine, being mindful to sense into your body, your heart, and not allow your mind to wander into the future of ‘what if’s’. Continue this practice for several days, noticing any changes that may occur. Keep a journal of heart wishes that may be revealed to you. Those are the hidden longings of your deeper Self.
Books for further reading:
Simple Abundance: A daybook of comfort and joy, by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
Spacecruiser Inquiry: True Guidance for the Inner Journey, by A.H. Almaas.
The Joy of Living: Unlocking the secret and science of happiness, by Yongey Ming Yu Rinpoche, Eric Swanson, and Daniel Goleman.
The Sufis, by Idries Shah.
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I must look into "The Joy of Living". I like Goleman's other books so I should like to have a look at this one. Joy is often an elusive emotion. Good to find it wherever we can.
Love and peace
Tony
DG-thanks for the stop by and comments. Glad you en 'joy ed
Tony-Thanks for the greetings. Hope you have a good adventure exploring the subject of JOY. Elusive, as it may be, when one experiences it-it's undeniable. I wish you well.
i love your writing....joy for me is the color fushia like in a captivating sunset....it reminds me of the color of love. keep writing...it is so who you are...
Thanks Lauren for your comments and encouragement. It feels right to write, LOL.
While I agree with you that fuschia is a joyful, bright color (and for you very meaningful in regards to both joy and love)the color YELLOW is the color associated with the soul's aspect of JOY in the spiritual work that I do. Thanks for reading the article.
I like the prose and it sounds like other meditation techniques I have been exposed to in other settings. I think you are on to something and I hope you keep writing.
Hey, R.Wright, thank you so much for your comments and support. Nice having you stop by and investigate. :) Wishing you much JOY.
What a joyful Hub! hehe. Beautiful poetry as well.
Oh, and congratulations on your HubNugget Nomination!
Kaltopsyd, Thank you for your comments. I appreciate it. What a surprise when I found out. How fun, just being nominated. I understand that you have received an H.N. award yourself. Congrats to you. I read your profile-it appears we have much in common. Thanks for the read.
Denise,
How lovely and heartfelt.Best wishes on your nomination.
Dear Denise-How much like your Mother you are. She, too, had many deep, often secret, feelings. I am very proud of what you have accomplished. Joy is a beautiful thing and not always easy to feel or understand. Love
Laura: what a wonderful surprise,knowing you took time to stop what you are doing and read the article.
Thank you.
Thanks Aunt Kay. WOW! what a wonderful compliment to be compared to mom. 'preciate it. Thanks for stopping by and reading my work.
This was very joyful.. the sun is in my heart. Thank you:)
Thank you, shazwellyn. I am so pleased that you found the piece so 'warm'. :) I will be looking forward to reading your work as well.
Great hub and awesome info...it brought me joy! Cheers and congrats on the hubnugget nom!
Thanks for spreading this reaffirming message -- especially in such challenging times.
Your hub is so filled with joy that is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing joy with me today. :)
Congrats on your Hubnuggets nomination. Woohooo..more joy huh? Well see it over here: http://hubpages.com/_hubnuggets10/hub/The-Maltese- Keep joy alive...blessings!
I resonate with your experience. Loved how you put it all together.
suzanne
Denise this is an awesome piece of work.I want to read it over & over again to capture the essence & depth of it's meaning. Truly beautiful!
ladyjane1: Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate you stopping by.
Dot: so good to be in contact. Thanks for taking the time.
ripplemaker: what a lively message. Thanks for the cheer! I'm glad you enjoyed the hub.
Suzanne: Namaste. Many blessings for taking the time to stop and read the work.
Aunt Ceil: I am so happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comments. You must read the other one I wrote recently: Simplicity of Being. I think you would also enjoy that one.
Very nice and uplifting. Especially since joy is contagious if one allows it into their heart. :) Thanks for sharing and congrats on being selected as one of the HubNuggets Wannabe nominees. Good luck to ya! :)
$ Glitch: thanks for the congrats, and for checking out the hub. :)
Hi D!
This is a beautiful piece.
It brought me JOY to read it:-) Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us!
Dear Denise, I share in your joy! Bev Champagne
it's a joy for my soul to work through your hubs - really nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and then some .....
You've won the HubNuggets nomination! Congratulations!
Nice Hub, gratz on your HubNugget :)
Good to point to an aspect of our experience not focused on by many writers. Reading your words brings it forth! thanks,
elaine maher
Denise, This is a very inspiring hub that I truly enjoyed.
Thanks Lisa, Bev, and Elaine for the pause in your busy schedules to read the article. Looking forward to being together soon.
Pam and Epi: I'm glad you enjoyed the piece. May we all experience that JOY in our lives more often!
Kaltopsyd and John: Thank you for the Congrats and for taking a moment to send out a comment.
Positively joy-filled, inspired and a pleasure to read! We seem cut from the same mold, but individuals as well...both rolling stones....
I knew Joy. But- she ran off with Glee! Thank you!
As a new hubber I now I experienced the big difference. Happiness is when you see someone visiting your new hub. Joy is when they come back again and again, and you merge in understanding, realising you both think as one.
You've created one of the best descriptions to show the difference. A must read for my kids.
Micky Dee- Funny guy...like your punny humor, warped, like mine. LOL.
Gee equealla, I'm glad this hub touched you. What a great analogy. :)
A very joyful read indeed and lovely poetic poems. Yellow and Blue are my two favorite colors. Yellow for it's warmth, sunflowers, Easter, radiance. Blue for the sky, the blue sea (that is if you can still find it, with all the oil spills going on). I love those two colors, thank you for the share and congratulations on winning the Hub Nugget contest. Peace and Joy
saddlerider1: thanks for the congrats. I'm so glad you enjoyed the hub. It is so interesting how some things take its own course, such as the writing of this hub. I'll be looking into your work, as well. Thanks for taking time out to stop by.
Hi! Denise
Enjoyed your article very much. Very basic ideas given in so much pleasant style. I saw it only now.
Thanks soumyasrajan, for 'finding' it, LOL. Glad you enjoyed.
Your writing in beautiful and inspiring. Awesome!
Jennshealthstore: I appreciate you taking the time to read my hub. Thanks for the positive comments. :)
The passion you impart is inspiring and worthy of your award - congrats on that Denise. 'Of dark corners long forgotten' - what a great line about moving on and inspiring others to do so.
Thanks Billy for the positive comments. I appreciate it. It's funny how some hubs really hit home and others are just 'mediocre'.
A very well-written, thought-provoking article, Denise. Everyone should experience joy in their life! Thank you for an inspiring hub.
Thanks for the comments, Rose, and your time stopping to read the hub. I appreciate both. :)
Very inspiring and uplifting. Thanks for sharing :)
Hello Blaise25-thanks for stopping by to read the hub. :)
I'm always happy to share this. Thanks for your comments. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work.
Such a "joyful" and lovely Hub!
Hello MarianG, nice to meet you :) and welcome to hubpages.
Thanks for the comments. I'm looking forward to reading your work as well.
Such a joyful article indeed! Hubnugget award is well deserved!
You are right about yellow being the color of joy! It's my favorite color and I also wrote a hub about it. Please check it out!
God bless!
Hi Jill-I will certainly read your 'color yellow' hub. Looking forward to that. Thanks for reading the hub and leaving some feedgback. Much appreciated. :)
Hi Denise,
Loved this hub.
I feel joy when I ride my bike, because I get a rush of exhilerating childlike freedom as I take off, especially if I'm by the sea.
I also feel joy whenever I walk in nature because there's always something new to see, no matter how many times I've walked the "same" path.
Witnessing sunsets are another sure fire way to experience joy.
Thanks for sharing your extensive knowledge on joy. I feel like I've found a kindred spirit.
Yes, HBN, I agree. We share much in common. Thanks for your comments.
Beautiful hub Denise. Yes, if I was going to assign a color to 'joy', yellow would be it, just like the sun. To me 'joy' is spontanous, while happiness is hoped for and/or achieved. Joy is what we feel on the way to happiness:)
Hi Susan. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. I feel that Joy is complete in itself. That it is a deeper experience than happiness, which usually occurs because of a situation. I see happiness as fleeting, and joy as more rooted. Thanks for your visit.
An excellent read and commentary
Hi Fiddleman-thanks for reading the hub and leaving a comment. :)
A great hub Denise.
I love the colour yellow because it helps shine some light into my life! I enjoy feeling the warmth of the sun and appreciate the fact that it can uplift me whenever I might be feeling a bit below par.
Joy, I agree, is something deeper than happiness; and personally, I feel, joy is one of the ingredients for living a successful life. If we have joy in what we do then we can consider ourselves successful.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts.
Hello Rich, thanks for sharing your thoughts here about Joy and your comments about this hub. I appreciate the fan mail you left, thank you. :)
Wow, you described the whole reason for our existence besides "saving " one's soul, and I think the latter brings tremendous joy also- I've had spiritual moments where I felt tremendous joy.
But to think of what "WE" need...well I know what would make me full of joy and I thank you for that
Great hub...
What a great hub and so full of happiness. It's got to be a winner.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Take care Denise.
Hi Eiddwen, this hub actually did win first place in the hubnugget awards when I first started. My very first hub was my Mother's Day hub, which was the w/e I started. This hub was my second. Imagine my shock and surprise at even being nominated, because, as I was writing merrily oblivious of ANY such award, it was being noticed. I suppose that is how the Universe supports each of us as we are in the flow of our own potential. Thank you for visiting and commenting here.
A wonderful, uplifting piece of writing. The happiness just oozed from it, simply stunning, definitely voting this one up!
Thank you acaetnna, It is easy to write when inspiration comes...I was inspired by Joy. :)
Very,very enlightening and so on point.
I have joy in my heart and life so I'm on the right track!
Thanx for sharing!
Hi Str8up--glad you stopped by. YOu are ONE JOYFUL WOMAN! I checked out your blog. Cool.
Denise, This is beautiful and I love your poetry. I did not experience joy in my life until I let myself experience sadness and grief. This is just for me, but once I fully grieved some early losses in my life, I found that I was spontaneously joyful one day and then on other days. I would not have known what you were talking about and now I do!
AnnieRose-thank you for sharing your story. I'm so glad that you have rediscovered your joy. I agree, it is a healing of the heart and soul to work through grief-then the joy. Have a blessed Christmas season.
I love this hub! I have the book Simple Abundance
Thanks, I appreciate you stopping in and reading/commenting. Thanks.
As you share the Joy of God with the world through your awe inspiring spirit and the Truth you shre with your writings, Spirit continually blesses you with Joyous circumstances and joy-filled experiences, by abundantly expressing Itself through you as the Ceaseless Joy that It is. Continued blessings. :-)
Thanks Guy, for the Blessings and the comments. This was one of my first hubs, and one of my most enjoyable ones. I actually won a hubnugget award for it. That was not my intention, and was unaware of that 'contest'. I simply wrote. And, the benefits came as a sweet surprise. Now, I am thrilled to learn that my daughter, hubber: Cardelean, is up for a hubnugget award this week for her story about a lesson she learned early in her teaching career about judgement and humanity. Ir is a beautiful story if you care to read it, go to her hubber page. May you have a blessed weekend. :)
lovely poetry and article Denise.
Hi J-thanks for visiting the hub and leaving a comment.
Delightful read Denise! Yellow is my favorite color :-)
Thank you for sharing.
Hello Ruzica, thanks for reading and commenting. This hub was very special to me. Yellow is a great color-full of sunshine. :)
Awesome hub Denise. You are a captivating writer. I felt joy just reading you hub. I think you're definitely spot on. Joy is not happiness. There's a certain innocense to joy that pulls at your heartstings and doesn't let go. I looks forward to reading your other award winning blogs. I'm now a fan, not just a follower of yours.
Wayne (Wayne's Word)
Hello Wayne, what a beautiful comment you left. Thank you. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. You've said it quite well here: "there is a cerain innocense to joy that pulls at your heartstrings and doesn't let go." Thank you for reading this hub and commenting.
Wow Denise! This is so uplifting! I actually have "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It has seen me through many a day. I look forward to reading your other hubs, now and in the future! Thank you so much for sharing them. I like your positve attitude & approach to life.
This is a beautiful hub. Having joy in your life is so very important. Thank you.
Cheers
Hi Kath-thank you for your comment. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I loved writing that hub and it was amazing how it flowed through me...Higher Consciousness.
Hello Always Exploring-nice to see you here. Thanks so much for reading this hub and leaving your comments. I appreciate it. :)
My blog is called Joy Is So Yellow, and so I felt an especial pull to your article! Loved it!
Thank you, JoyGirl. I also love this hub-it was one of my first ones and I love sharing it. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Great blog, BTW. :)
Very inspirational Denise!
Good morning aslanlight. Thank you for your comments. Glad that you enjoyed it. :)
I felt very "yellow" after reading your wonderful poem! Simple, but said so beautifully. Thank you for sharing all these positive thoughts with us.
Thanks Jean. I love this hub, even after the year I wrote it. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comments.
Denise,
As a nurse and current Instructor of Holistic Nursing, I was drawn to this article immediately when I read your beautiful profile. I was impressed with your recent interview and can see why this article won a HubNugget.
Joy is the essence of what we all need to keep in mind and I believe I will love checking out your expertise and beautiful writing style. You are inspirational!
Voted UP & UAB-- have a lovely day, mar!
Thank you, Mar. I'm intrigued with your work, as well. I have joined the H.N.A. in the past, but am not currently a member. I was living in CA for awhile and was accepted into Dominican University under their Masters in Nursing / HOlistic major. I had to resign before ever getting started as my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and I cared for him through his short transition in death. (Hub: Unresolved grief).
I'm curious as to what courses and where you are teaching? I think teaching is more natural for me and was my first career choice.
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate them.
Denise,
I am heading to your article to get a little more background. I cannot imagine your strength in getting through such a time in your life, and my heart goes out to you.
I see a teacher in you already with the little of your reading I have done so far. I will be providing you more detail with what I do/ teach.
Take good care and have a good evening, mar.
Hi Mar-thanks for your feedback. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work. :)
A joyful reading indeed! I was supposed to become an engineer but I dropped out of the college to read poetry, literature and history. Most people (my old friends and classmates) feel sorry for me and I wish they could see it through my eyes. I wish they could understand the joy of understanding a beautiful poem and of discovering something that you did not know. As you have pointed out above happiness and joy are two different things. Joy is not about getting something in return for your efforts its something you derive from innocent curiosity.
A very insightful and inspiring hub. Great work...keep it up!
Talha-it is nice to meet you. You are experiencing what most people chase after all of their lives-following your hearts desire. It is through honoring this that we become content and in sync with the inner fires that burn. It is when we betray those longings, by doing what other people expect or dictate to us, that we betray ourselves. Then comes suffering, bitterness and resentment.
You are on your own path and no one will ever be able to understand that who is also not on theirs. It is the path of the soul. Congratulations and I support you in that.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Dear Denise, you have taken me on a sweet, joyful and happy journey. I yearn for joy and happiness to decorate my heart, your heart and all human hearts with everlasting goodness. Be blessed
Ubanichijioke-I am honored that you have read and enjoyed this hub. There is some writing that we work at and comes from our intellect; there is other writing that flows easily and comes from the heart. This one was from the heart. Thanks for visiting.
The greatest thing about hubpages is that it is full of brilliant people. You have a new fan. Joy = bookmarked just for when in case I need to remind myself.Thanks.
Voted Up not that it needs it.
Wow-thank you molometer. I appreciate you stopping by to read-and your vote. Nice to meet you.
Your Welcome.
After reading your hub, I felt "joy". This inspired me to look inside and find more joyful moments in daily life. Thank you
Hi thumbi7-I apologize for not responding sooner-my work schedule is one which does not allow me to go on the computer until it's finished-I work 3 12hr midnight shifts.
I appreciate your comments. This was one of my first hubs I wrote and I'm glad you were joyfully inspired. :)
great hub! loved it. beautiful!
Hi Kelley-Thanks! It was one of the first hubs I wrote and was one of those 'channeling through' moments where everything just flowed very easily. Thanks for reading.
Denise, Excellent presentation on joy, which truly is deeper than happiness.
I love your poem, especially describing joy as flying on "wing-tipped heels. . .to the edge of the universe and beyond."
I could feel the joy in this hub as I was reading.
Kind regards, Stessily
Hi Stessily-thank you for your critique. I always appreciate your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem I included here.
Love this hub! It made me feel joyful just reading it. A friend gave me a happy face yellow light.
I find that no matter how difficult life gets something that's impossible for it to remove is the inner joy. It can only cloud over it temporarily. It's as though it has a life of its own, and I suppose it does!
Great hub! :) Thanks for reading one of mine.
Hello Aslanlight-I agree that the inner joy will never cease, nor will the other essential aspects of the soul. They are just what we truly are. Thanks for your comments - Im glad you enjoyed this one.
What an awesome uplifting article.
I found myself remembering drawing half suns in the upper corners of my coloring books and finally learning to paint a sunset as an adult.
It was interesting to try to remember a moment of being truly joyful. It almost made me giddy inside as I tried to find one moment to concentrate on and finally landed at the beach on a family vacation in 2009.
Great article. Thank you for sharing. Congrats on your award.
Thanks Tams-I'm glad that you found this article uplifting. It was one of my first ones I wrote as a Newbie, so it is special to me. :) Thanks for your feedback.
This hub is very uplifting, it came into my life in a moment that I need it the most, thanks, I will make sure to practice the tips you mentioned. Thanks
Hi Ibis-I'm so glad you found this hub 'uplifting'. Happy Nurses Week. I'm sure you deal with the trauma and tragedy every day you work. Be joyful, despite all of the 'drama'.
thanks Denise, the same to you happy nurses week.
Thank you. :)
Let us all connect to our heart's desire and increase the flow of joy through our being and into the world. Voted up & awesome, and shared.
Hi Sid-Wow! I agree, joy is an awesome part of our being and what a wonderful feeling. Thanks for commenting and sharing this hub. I appreciate it.
D.G. Smith 2 years ago
Hi Denise
a very uplifting article, I en-'joy'-ed the read