Let's begin at the beginning. A joyful heart is like medicine or in King Solomon's words "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." In a culture that chose happiness as its life goal, it seems strange that there are so few people who have a merry heart.
There had been many national surveys done that had repeatedly proven that the general population was happier/happiest in the poorest countries on the globe. How strange, you might think. On the contrary. It is only to the observers from Western cultures who pursue happiness at all cost, does this appear unusual.
People who have very little are truly grateful for what they have. Citizens of wealthier nations very quickly take things they have for granted and always look to others who have more, fueling a dissatisfied spirit. Although this may seem very minor and unimportant to some, this is the essence of human happiness and a joyful heart.
Somehow without ever actually verbalizing it I realized decades ago, that my instincts were tuned in to eternal truths and when I followed them they were always leading me in a positive direction. Finding my place in the universe - while being an important part, realizing that I am merely one of many parts that make up the universe - what I discovered had awaken an awe towards the world as a whole. Things do work together and more importantly all actions have consequences.
On a universal level I produce nothing to contribute to my being, yet by being I am also a consumer of universal assets. Once you walk through this logic how can you help but be grateful for the wheels that turn the machinery. I call it God, but you may call it whatever you choose to, the important thing is to recognize our dependence on the whole.
Until we comprehend our role within the whole it is difficult to be anything but proud of our own accomplishments. Knowing that pride is a sin we get another step closer to the goal of comprehension. The parts separately are useless. It is only as part(s) of the whole that they come together to form something that works to produce anything.
As such, my day begins with thanksgiving. I give thanks for all the things I could not accomplish on my own: waking up in the morning, breathing without outside assistance, being able to get out of bed. Further, I give thanks for having a bed to sleep in, a room and a house where the bed is, food on our table, a family to share with, a job to go to, a community where I have a part to play....
By the time I've given thanks for all the essential and wonderful things I have, how can I be anything but joyful each morning - and that, even before having my cup of coffee. May you think on these things and uncover your merry heart.
