To be honest, I had never really spent much time thinking about joy, before I chose to make it this year’s theme for the 24 instalments of the Advent Calendar ( blog). Ten days in, and it feels like I have carried out a forensic study into joy, dissecting a very broad topic, into smaller pieces easier to examine.
Each segment has been a revelation, as I reviewed existing literature and collected relevant data, facts and quotes. Researching specific topics inevitably sparked my curiosity about where joy was present, and connected me to another piece of the puzzle.
The need for joy, for example came into focus because I wondered about the nuances of happiness and thought about the degrees of joy one could experience or feel. I understood that emotions exist on a spectrum, and the scale of happy emotions appears to range from subtle contentment to intense euphoria.
1. Contentment: A calm and peaceful state of satisfaction.
2. Happiness: A positive emotional state characterized by a sense of well-being and contentment.
3. Joy: A more intense and exuberant form of happiness.
4. Elation: A state of extreme joy and excitement.
5. Ecstasy: A profound and overwhelming sense of joy and delight.
6. Euphoria: The highest point on the scale representing an intense and exhilarating feeling of happiness, often associated with a heightened sense of well-being.
Naturally, the intensity of happy emotions can vary from person to person and situation to situation, and individuals may experience a range of these emotions depending on their circumstances and personal disposition.
The more the heart is sated with joy, the more it becomes insatiable.
– Gabrielle Roy
Then the question of whether our bodies and minds actually needed to experience joy in order to function properly started forming and that led me down an interesting path.
The study of happiness and joy has indeed had a long history and spans various philosophical, psychological, and scientific explorations. Philosophers like Aristotle pondered happiness over two thousand years ago, considering it a central aspect of a good life. In psychology, the exploration of positive emotions gained momentum in the 20th century, when Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers began emphasizing self-actualization and human potential as a key to happiness.
In his book, Authentic Happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment, Martin Seligman (2002) says:
‘[Positive Psychology] takes you through the countryside of pleasure and gratification, up into the high country of strength and virtue, and finally to the peaks of lasting fulfillment: meaning and purpose’
P. 61
More recently, the field of positive psychology, has focused explicitly on understanding and promoting well-being, happiness, and joy. Scientific research on the neurological and physiological aspects of happiness has also expanded in recent decades.
Scientifically, experiencing joy has various studied benefits on both mental and biological levels. Joyful emotions can lead to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins, contributing to a positive mood and reduced stress.
Biologically, studies suggest that joy may have positive effects on cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the immune system can be strengthened through positive emotions, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to fight off illnesses.
On a psychological level, joy has been linked to improved cognitive function, creativity, and better problem-solving skills. Socially, joyful individuals often build stronger relationships and connections with others, fostering a sense of community and support.
Overall, the scientific and biological benefits of joy highlight its importance for both mental and physical well-being. It builds a strong case for the need to make joy an essential part of our daily rituals.
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude
– -Denis Waitley
