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Joyful
Living
by Salle Merrill Redfield |
Have you ever
had an experience where you felt joyful and wise? Maybe
you went through a divorce or you lost a loved one and
you grew from the pain and developed a new outlook on
life. Or maybe you accomplished something like loosing
those extra ten pounds or improving your golf swing. For
awhile you felt in the flow of life. Connected. As if
everything was going to be all right forever. Then
something came along that left you feeling out of
balance.
Why does this
happen? How can we feel so connected to everyone and
everything one moment and equally disconnected the next?
And what can we do when this occurs? How can we get back
into the flow, and how can we be OK when regaining our
happiness takes longer than we want?
Perhaps the
answer is following the strategies of people who stay
joyful most of the time. After observing and
interviewing joyful people over the past ten years I
have noticed they share strategies that enable them to
navigate life with a positive attitude. Through
experience, they have come to the realization that
opportunities as well as emotions cycle through ups and
downs. During hard times this awareness gives them the
faith that "this too shall pass." Because they
recognize the preciousness of the good times, rarely do
they worry obsessively or lament the past. Instead, they
keep their focus on moving through life with a sense of
joy and wonder.
One of the most
valuable techniques they adopt is not buying into the
belief that their problems are special or unchangeable.
While many people allow the thoughts "This will
never get better" or "I can not survive"
or "Nobody understands what I am going
through" to continuously run though their minds,
joyful people stop the chatter before it becomes
consuming. They prefer to step back and evaluate the
problem. Experience has taught them that they can
survive difficulties. They also know that everyone has
challenges, therefore they seek support and advice from
friends, family members, counselors, spiritual leaders
and books. Learning from the mistakes and successes of
others gives them new options. Sometimes this means
working hard to change a situation. At other times it
means accepting the facts and moving on.
Another of
their strategies is actively pursuing healthy
distractions. Joyful people might call a friend and tell
jokes, hit golf balls at a driving range, or window shop
when life begins to feel heavy. They may also take a
walk, go to a movie, or play with their children and
pets. Activities like these shift their focus onto
something they enjoy. This time out helps them lighten
their mental load and return to challenges with a fresh
outlook.
Focusing on a
compelling future is also a strategy. Joyful people like
having dreams that pull them into the future. They may
aspire to buy a new car, increase personal growth, or
take a nice long vacation. They may seek more quality
time with their friends and family members. Or they
might pursue a career change. Whatever the desire,
joyful people like having something to look forward to.
They also know
the value of living in the now. They take time to
appreciate a beautiful sunset, a good conversation, or a
well prepared meal. They make their relationship with
themselves and others a priority. And they slow down to
enjoy the simple pleasures.
Joyful people
also take time for spiritual growth. They pray,
meditate, and study spiritual teachings. They love to
dialogue about the mystical side of life. And many of
them find a spiritual connection when in nature. At some
point they begin to think about fulfilling a spiritual
mission. Many have achieved impressive financial goals,
others have found their greatest satisfaction in raising
children or traveling the world. An intuition or the
thought "Is this all there is?" or a crisis
can signal that it is time to reevaluate their
contribution to society. Examining the past, recognizing
natural talents, and listening to their heart's true
desire, helps them discover what is next.
Joyful people
earn wisdom and inner peace. Each time they face a new
challenge, they learn. They grow. And they deepen their
understanding of the divine plan of the Universe. They
are not without bumps, bruises, and scars. They have
discouraging moments. And they are not above asking the
question "Why me?" Yet, despite momentary
frustrations and regardless of unpleasant past
experiences, or difficult current life situations, they
take responsibility for their own happiness. Sometimes
they do this gracefully, and sometimes they do this by
kicking up a little dust. Either way, their strategies
can enable us all to prosper in a world that challenges,
but has the potential to bring tremendous joy.
Copyright© 2000 by Salle
Merrill Redfield.
Salle Merrill
Redfield is the author of the book, "Creating a
Life of Joy." She is also the author of four audio
tapes including, "The Celestine Meditations."
She lectures internationally with her husband, James
Redfield, about joyful living and the evolving spiritual
consciousness. Visit her at www.celestinevision.com
or email her at salleredfield@celestinevision.com.
Eight years ago
Salle and her husband, James Redfield, created a small
publishing company and published James' book, "The
Celestine Prophecy." One year later Warner Books,
Inc. bought the publishing rights to "The Celestine
Prophecy" and published it around the world. Since
that time the Redfield's have had 28 separate works,
including books and audio tapes, published. Salle’s
latest book, "Creating A Life of Joy" is a
meditative guide full of strategies for having a happy
life.
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Some of
Salle's Audio Cassettes:
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