The month of Adar is all about increasing JOY in our lives and in our community. Some months the energy is reflective, other months it’s cleansing and other times its very active. So what do the Jewish mystics mean about “increasing joy” as opposed to simply experiencing joy? There are certain times we get the pleasure of simply experiencing joy such as the simcha of a wedding or the birth of a baby. Other times we experience unexpected joy like receiving a flower for no apparent reason. Other times in life, we need to seek out joy. So why is this so important? Just as in nature, human life is a series of ups and downs. The sun rises, the sun sets and our bodies are programmed to follow the circadian rhythm. Sometimes we are happy and other times sad. All emotions and feelings are good, but when negative feelings and/or anxiety interrupt life too frequently, it’s time to learn how to “increase joy.” It’s time to reach for a better feeling thought on the subject or even change the channel. Yes our “personal stories” are all too real, but yet it’s our perception that determines our experience. Try not to get so caught up in the drama of the story.
While teaching a meditation class early in the month of Adar, I was shown a Jewish star. I was told to look at the intricacies of the Jewish star – the perfect balance of the triangles representing the combination of male and female energy. I was also shown the “holes” which reflect the light of the Divine or God. It was an amazing experience to see the Jewish star all illuminated with light. Then my spirit had a special assignment for myself and the attendees. We were told to go home and draw a Jewish star. At each of the six points, we were to write down ways which we wanted to experience or create JOY. Basically we had to identify 6 new ways to have fun and to take care of ourselves. Wow, an assignment where we are told to have joyful experiences. Laughter is contagious and sometimes the best medicine!
How will you increase joy in your life? Please share your ideas.
Shalom,
Donna
LI Jewish Meditation 