It was just two weeks ago this coming Sunday through an unexpected invitation I found myself teaching one of my favorite workshops on the east coast of Florida. That workshop that I offer from time to time is my introduction to extra sensory development, just a taste of the way or path to psychic development.
As usual I brought boxes of “tools” with me that I use to keep the focus of attendees. I set up my easel and flip chart. All was going according to plan as we worked our way through the exercises both mental and physical. I spoke of my own early and sometimes laughable experiences with spirits and apparitions.
Then something unusual happened. I flipped to the next illustration on the chart. It was a simple outline of a heart. In the center of the heart in rose colored crayon was the word JOY. One woman jumped up from her chair and said “I like that!
I do love effusive people. Her energy was a real boost to most everyone. Hers was certainly a positive exclamation but not the end of the reactions to the drawing of the heart and “Joy” from the rest of the class.
No one else commented aloud regarding the particular drawing but it was the varied energies the others were emitting that surprised me. There were a few nods of agreement and then…
With some of the students there seemed to be a distrust of the word itself as if it contained some sort of threat perhaps could not be accepted or counted on to be positive. One of the participants actually recoiled as if in fear. Is it possible that someone could be afraid of going beyond being surface happy, of accessing joy in depth? If that were so what could be the reason?
To figure out this puzzle I began considering where joy comes from, where it originates. Certainly joy is more than mere pleasure. It has a depth beyond pleasure. The deep upwelling emotion of joy resonates throughout the body and mind. I dare say true joy is a soul promoted emotion.
Perhaps it comes and goes quickly or only occasionally as we move through our lives. But to truly live joy each day every day one would have to have a deep sense of gratitude not only for his own life but for every person and situation in his life.
How could that thankfulness or gratitude be brought forward? Can we create it at will?
It is certain that life is full of changes and surprises, some pleasant, some not so pleasant. Could it be that you and I are capable of making a conscious decision to be thankful for all our varied situations, people and events? Could we suspend ego-led judgment long enough to be thankful for all our experiences whether filled with tears or laughter? And if we stuck by that mental decision to be grateful in all things could we perhaps invite more joy into our hearts and lives?
At that point in my analyzing I began to realize that Joy and Unconditional Love were inseparable. They are two halves of one thing. If Joy were accessed one would have to be at least at that moment in a state of loving and accepting everything and everyone just as they are. That state of being in unconditional love and acceptance might be all too brief but it would seem that it naturally coexists at the moment when Joy is flooding the heart.
To go a step further is it possible then that the only healing tool we would ever need is found in being unconditionally loving and accepting of ourselves and others? Could love filled joy be the one medicine that would take away any of our distress or disease?
That idea brought me right back to the person in my class that appeared to be literally afraid of Joy. Now I know from experience that some people will cling to their illnesses because that particular disease or condition is providing some sort of benefit in their lives.
The discomfort may be giving them the attention they crave from another person. Holding on to that distress may be their reason for not attempting some task that they do not want to pursue. Whatever the reason for not accepting their own healing, they continuing to hold on to that ailment because it provides what they, on some level of consciousness, believe is necessary in their lives.
Following that reasoning, if Joy were to be a part of their daily living, the disease that has been their rock, their saving grace, their focal point might be taken away. Loosing that kind of stability, however questionable the logic, would certainly be reason enough to fear the dynamic healing arrival of Joy coupled with the unconditional love of self and others.
There is of course another possibility. Perhaps the real fear is that the beautiful flooding of Joy into and from the heart is all too temporary. Perhaps the fear is that when that Joy is not present or seems inaccessible the emotions and stability will go into free fall.
From time to time we all suffer through the ups and downs of emotion but we do not live in fear of a total downward spiral just because life does not conform to our idea of perfect. Most of us have learned the real benefits of keep our “sunny side up”. Good thoughts, good emotions, bring good results.
My response to the thought that Joy is too temporary is to suggest that each of us begin at once to carve a reliable path to Joy. I suggest we find a way to access or create Joy in our lives. For instance, we all need the feeling and knowledge that our lives are supported by Spirit. Because that is true let us begin to reassure ourselves daily that we are made of the divine Light and Love of Spirit. Reinforce our own worthiness throughout the day.
Cause yourself to become aware, to feel that Light and Love lifting you, guiding you from one moment to the next. Remind yourself daily that you are Light, you are Love. Do this and thankfulness, love and all pervasive Joy will become your way of life.
The original question I asked myself was “Is Joy your birthright?” I can now say I believe that it is but like any gift or talent or ability Joy has to be accepted, appreciated and above all used. Joy is that state of expanding love and acceptance. Accessing the Joy that is naturally yours will change your life and the lives of all those whom you touch.
My personal joy is found in helping others to fully actuate their lives. My pleasure comes from seeing my clients successfully pursue the life path of their design. If I can help you with any life questions or directions call or e-mail me, Reverend Lois Cheney for your private clairvoyant reading.
I now offer individually designed and personalized one-on-one intuitive development lessons. All work is completely confidential and you will have a cassette recording of your counseling session for your later review.
Reverend Lois Cheney Telephone: (941) 961-2783 or
E-Mail: RevLois@gmail.com