The Difference Between Pleasure and Joy

There are so many pleasures to enjoy this holiday season.

Our taste buds crave the pleasure of our favorite cookies or annual egg nog. The baking of our own cookies and the cut of fresh trees brings pleasure to our sense of smell. Our eyes bask in the visual delight of decorated houses and light displays. Christmas carols and their beautiful harmonies ring in our ears. And this year, we are experiencing quality hugs over quantity hugs.

Each of our senses experience physical pleasure. That pleasure looks vastly different this year in many ways. This is why it is so important to understand the difference between pleasure and joy.

Pleasure is fleeting while joy is sustaining.

Pleasure depends on an external experience.

Joy radiates from within.

You may enjoy that cookie for 5 minutes but then it is consumed and that pleasure is over...until we eat another one.

We enjoy the holiday light displays until someone else shuts them off.

The sounds of carols fills our space while the radio is on and becomes a memory when it is turned off.

Often, we believe that each of these pleasures is what brings us joy.

However, true joy flows from within and when you experience this joy, nothing or no one can take it away from you.

What if we were joy first and each of these pleasures were simply a result of our joy?

The carols on the radio can be turned off but you can continue to sing and when you do, you experience joy instead of pleasure. Sing those carol at the top of your lungs in the car, along with the pleasing music and watch your joy overflow. You will feel more alive because you are empowered by true joy.

Kindness is the fastest route to joy.

While baking those cookies, can you pull 12 aside and give some to a friend or neighbor who feels comfortable with sharing baked goods during this time?

While admiring the beautiful twinkling lights, decide how you can be the light for someone else this holiday season.

What can you do that will bring light to someone else this holiday season? A smile, a five minute connected conversation. It does not take much to bring in kindness but it will bring in so much joy to you.

While enjoying the many pleasures of this holiday, find your joy. Bask in your joy and allow it to carry you through the rest of the year.

Much love,
Erin

WEEKLY MEDITATION

Pleasure is fleeting while joy is sustaining. Pleasure is experienced with external senses while joy is experienced within. Join me for today’s meditation that allows you to experience the difference between pleasure and joy and bask in this happiness that no one can take away from you.