A Technique of Joy
After yesterday’s heavy dose of anger, I thought now would be an appropriate time to share a joy-inducing entry.
The joy technique comes from a teaching that I learned long ago. While I can’t exactly explain the physiology or psychology of this technique, I can assure you of its powerful effects.
Two things are required in this practice; your own silence and people. Oftentimes I’ll practice this technique when I’m sitting on campus or when I’m walking around the mall. As each stranger passes, I will momentarily look at them, and in that moment I’ll silently wish something for them. The wish might be, I wish you joy or I wish you happiness or some other wish of a positive nature that comes to mind.
In a miraculous and wonderful way, the joy and happiness that is wished for others will soon fill your own heart. The joy is somewhat euphoric, oftentimes it feels as if my heart will overflow. Because the teaching emphasizes the power of giving, it’s important to focus on the giving end and not on the joy that will result from it.
While the technique may sound strange to some, it does allow for one to fill their own heart with joy without substances or spending of money. After practicing the joy technique for a while, the practice of silent giving can become second nature whenever out in public.
I hope everyone will give the technique a try. If you do, I would love to hear about your experience. I wish you joy~
March 28th, 2005 at 7:03 am
Kane, that is a very interesting technique. I will have to give it a try and report back to you once I do….
I am sorry for the funk that has had you in its grip lately. I am glad you shared and used this Joy technique. Take care of you!
March 28th, 2005 at 7:15 am
Thanks for sharing that technique. I’ve tried something similar - just smiling at someone as I walk by… but will take it one step farther and wishing something nice for them. Good Karma too.
Have a good day! *HUGS* my friend!
March 28th, 2005 at 11:36 am
I wish you joy, Kane.
March 28th, 2005 at 5:09 pm
I was so glad to see you post, and I shared your joy technique with a friend, who’s also in a funk right now. Glad you’re back
March 29th, 2005 at 2:31 am
Great technique…. I do this too, though I never thought it was a technique so to speak. Some days I feel terrible and I also know that some days I feel great and other people feel terrible. If I drive or walk by someone who looks to be having a tough day I mentally hug them. I did this with the Red Sox, too and they won the world series!
March 29th, 2005 at 2:36 am
It was a little strange a first, but you really start to think positive. I wish everyone joy!
March 29th, 2005 at 5:03 am
I wish you joy.
I sometimes practise the same technique (though before this I didn’t think of it as a technique) too. Mine’s a little more convoluted, because I tend to make negative hypotheses about strangers first. But I end it with a “oh well, that’s the way s/he is anyway and I can’t do anything about it. I wish her/him well.”
March 29th, 2005 at 6:40 am
i wish you lots of “smiles* today… and everyday after that… ^_^
March 29th, 2005 at 8:21 pm
I wish for you~ Piece of mind.
You’re rearing your beautiful spirit again. Great idea. I can’t wait to put it into practice.