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talyenHow do you experience joy? Is it something intrinsic, or does it require an extrinsic component?
I was trying to describe times when I've experienced joyful feelings, and found it difficult to pin down. I've felt joyful, but always when another person, or many other people, were involved, such as participating in an perfect concert, or sharing an intimate experience like beauty. Joy itself, for me, it seems, requires another person.
When I run, I feel great, and even exhilarated, but not joyful. When I see bambis in the forest, I am amazed, and stunned, but not joyful. When I enjoy sunrise, sunset, mountains, the ocean, and other powerfully beautiful experiences, I feel reverent, but not joyful.
And yet, sharing each of those experiences with someone, or a group of someones, who also felt amazed, exhilarated, stunned, and reverent might lead to joy. There is, I believe, some level of sharing of happiness that is required for joy.
What do you think makes joy?
I was trying to describe times when I've experienced joyful feelings, and found it difficult to pin down. I've felt joyful, but always when another person, or many other people, were involved, such as participating in an perfect concert, or sharing an intimate experience like beauty. Joy itself, for me, it seems, requires another person.
When I run, I feel great, and even exhilarated, but not joyful. When I see bambis in the forest, I am amazed, and stunned, but not joyful. When I enjoy sunrise, sunset, mountains, the ocean, and other powerfully beautiful experiences, I feel reverent, but not joyful.
And yet, sharing each of those experiences with someone, or a group of someones, who also felt amazed, exhilarated, stunned, and reverent might lead to joy. There is, I believe, some level of sharing of happiness that is required for joy.
What do you think makes joy?
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Date: 2007-08-03 06:32 am (UTC)Joy
Date: 2007-08-03 05:58 pm (UTC)