Joyful Living

[Guest guest]

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,

Redfield, about joyful living and the evolving spiritual

consciousness. Visit her at www.celestinevision.com or email her at

salleredfield@....

Eight years ago Salle and her husband, Redfield, created a small

publishing company and published ' 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.