En-joy- based on the Latin rejoice. Old French- to give joy, take delight in whereas joy- simply rejoice. (En-Old French ‘give joy’ to). Enjoy is to receive pleasure or satisfaction from something; while joy is to feel joy, rejoice.
Happiness- Old Norse term happ meaning “luck” or “chance”. Old English word related to hapec meaning equal.[1]
Someone said to me recently that it doesn’t seem like I feel joy. I don’t seem sad or depressed; I’m okay just not joyful. I’ve been turning it over and over in my mind- asking the questions- What brings me joy? When have I felt joy? How did it feel? Why did it go away? How do I get it back? Real pure joy. Some examples finally came to me. When I was on my 3-week journey to Alaska an amazing and intense feeling came over me- a euphoric feeling while I was driving in the complete middle of nowhere, likely in the Yukon. In that moment it brought me to tears. I was completely and totally in my element- on a road trip in near wilderness with no other worries. Since I was towing my trailer, I only had to pay attention to my driving and finding the next stopover. But there were no other worries- no bills, no money, no time, no job. It was remarkable. It was an adventure that released me from my daily work dysfunction, paying bills (paid up before leaving), and cleaning house and yard. I met my soul- my happy joyful soul.
It’s happened on other occasions like when I was at the huge Northwest herbal fair along with so many carefree souls learning about herbs and healing. Again -tears and euphoria in that moment. It’s rarely happened at a job except when I worked as an interpretive naturalist at North Cascades National Park and Carkeek Park in Seattle. I was in my element as an interpretive naturalist connecting people to the natural world. Or the time I went with a couple of friends to a Sufi-inspired celebration in the dark woods of night. There was a bonfire and dancing and we laughed so hard in-joy we could hardly stand up. Then there was the fire walk. I had no intention of doing something that insane. But an internationally known firewalker invited me to join him. After he explained how to focus, I joined him (it took a LOT of coaxing) walking barefoot over the coals for several feet to the other side with no pain, no redness, no blisters. The joy of realizing what I had just done brought tears to my eyes- euphoria- in the moment. All these memories of experiences brought me joy and help to remind me what it feels like.
When I’m far away from the madness of this life immersed in nature- mountain, forest, desert, ocean, marsh, and no one is around except trees, wildflowers, moss, mammals, birds, water, and insects, a feeling of happiness comes over me which becomes joy. On a regular day-to-day basis? I can’t say that I feel joy.
Now that I think about it, I’m wondering how I can feel it more often regardless of my job, chores, bills, trailer, garage clutter, messy house, aging body, weeding, and on and on. I guess it’s a matter of being present in each moment and to stop worrying-trust myself- it’ll all get done- you are in great shape financially, spiritually, etc. There really isn’t anything to worry about which frees up time to feel happiness and joy.
Letting it all go and trusting the Universe to provide and to listen. Writing it out over and over to get it out of my head. Really internalizing that every moment, every breath is such a gift of life. Every.single.moment. Twig the cat or Templeton the dog brings moments of clarity to me recognizing the preciousness of life having them in my life and seeing these loving sentient beings. Twig finds joy in a fuzzy mouse, a moving feather toy, a spinny toy, a bottle cap, plastic crinkly and just being alive. I see and feel Templeton’s joy in going on an adventure even if it’s a short ride or walk. He en-joys it.
And maybe in happiness we can find joy in life via doing something we truly enjoy that doesn’t hurt others and hold on to the memories that spark more joy.
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”
Rumi
[1] Side note- The “pursuit of happiness” in the Declaration of Independence had a different meaning- an action that accomplishes the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers.
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