Definition
An emotion or a positive disposition related to the encounter, fulfillment, gratitude or mere feeling alive.
Joy may coexist with grief or difficulty. It is neither a moral obligation nor a proof of spiritual success; it often appears intermittently and bodyly.
To be retained
- Recognizing the modest joys
- Share without comparing
- Allowing the coexistence of emotions
- Refusing mandatory optimism
Origin of the term and context
The French word comes from the Latin Gaudia, plural of Gaudium. Traditions often distinguish between transient pleasure, relational joy and spiritual beatitude.
Why does it matter?
Positive emotions can temporarily broaden attention and strengthen bonds. They do not neutralize depression and should not be imposed by injunctions to positive thinking.
- Recognizing the modest joys
- Share without comparing
- Allowing the coexistence of emotions
- Refusing mandatory optimism
How can it be explored or practised?
- Name a specific joy of the day
- Celebrating the Success of Others
- Paying full attention to beloved music
- Creating a simple collective moment
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Sadness is not a spiritual failure.
- Immediate pleasure is not always lasting.
- The joy displayed can mask distress.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Buddhism: muditā, joy at the happiness of others.
- Christianity: joy as the fruit of the relationship with God and the community.
- Spinoza: passage to greater power to act.
To go further
- The Power of Joy — Frédéric Lenoir
- Ethics — Spinoza