A new way to have true joy

As all humans have a conscience, most people have the ability to discern true joy from misery or self-loathing from love.These sensations are so natural and instinctive that wanting joy is automatic,however for the large majority of people true joy seems or feels impossible and non-existent. When analysed and observed it can be said that there are three ways to joy and lasting contentment . All of these ways come up in human life however it’s the third way that is unusual and rare. The third way is proven to work time and time again, and after centuries and generations it is a time tested and proven method for even for our own generation.

Initially the primary way of joy is Being led by our urges with no judgement,seizing every moment and going by these impulses. Newborns and toddlers go by their impulses and urges living spontaneously as they often don’t know the outcome of what is good or bad they have an attitude of living completely in the moment with little or no assessment of danger. Most adults do not go by this way but often go in the way of the second method.

The second way is to pick and choose what brings them joy over what makes them feel depressed or discontented. As most humans know what they enjoy and detest they simply choose pleasure over pain.life isn’t always black-and-white and even when planning things meticulously for pleasurable experiences, things can go wrong. For example a loving marriage can end up in a bitter divorce . Things that used to be fun end up draining, boring and mundane,people may not even know or be able to pinpoint when and why the feelings of dissatisfaction arose or the pleasurable experience fizzled out. This way inevitably introduces itself to random problems, accidents and even catastrophes. Scientifically speaking psychologist have noted that people aren’t good at choosing what will make them joyful.

This is highlighted particularly when following social norms which has its underwritten code of repeating the past and traditions of what it thinks makes people joyful. Having a baby, getting married, or having a significant promotion, wealth and fame all align with the social norms of society. They are all laden with problems that are hidden beneath the surface and are often shown without the inevitable stress depression, bouts of anxiety and pressure they can present us with. However time and time again people fall victim to this method and can often end up more unhappy. Throughout the globe this is the dominant way of finding long-lasting joy.

However the third way is outside of this,it is above pain and pleasure. This way is the way of self knowledge. Through this path you choose to to do experiences that make you more aware and conscious. In antithesis to choices based on pleasure and pain the choices that you make here are based on the value of having greater awareness. These choices will include choosing the way of peace over violence, choosing to tolerate and accept others, choosing to be motivated from a place of kindness and sharing, choosing to have time for playfulness and creativity choosing to help and give time to others and those less fortunate, having a genuine concern for the needs of others, and not adding to your own stress or stress of those around you, living within your own truth, and not needing or depending on the opinions of others whether good or bad, and lastly rejecting all forms of prejudice and secondhand opinions.

This state of awareness is grounding and stabilising and gives true joy from an evolutionary standpoint. Having this state of awareness doesn’t come from one way or one type of conscious method. These ways may include mindfulness or meditation and yoga or even self reflection and contemplation without which true joy is an elusive abstract thing. The first and second way do not work on their own, it doesn’t matter how hard you try living from moment to moment and choosing pleasure over pain is natural-yes, but if it’s not rooted in deeper meaning and purpose it can be volatile and chaotic. Having a state of awareness and consciousness gives humans purpose and meaning as well as true joy beyond our urges, pleasure and pain.