Joyfulness Meditation

Meditation experiences are often a reflection of our emotions. That is, how we feel determines our thoughts or our focus for that period of time. Sometimes we are depressed or worried, and meditation becomes somewhat of a struggle to overcome these emotions. On the other hand, however, if we are feeling happiness or even joy, our experience can be quite different.

So what can make us happy? Love? Excitement? Birth of a child? Recognition? Validation? My point is not what makes us happy, but meditation on the joy itself. When we are struck with such an emotion, we must meditate on it in order to savor and digest it to the fullest. To meditate on joyfulness, one may take the steps that follow:

Begin the meditation in your usual manner by assuming a confortable position, quieting the mind, and consentrating on the breath. Allow all of your concerns and worries to float up and away from your mind like the clouds in a summer sky. Close your eyes and let joyful thoughts fill your heart and rise up to your mind's eye. Envision a shining blue light in the center of your mind's screen. Focus on that for several minutes.

Enjoy the many facets of the light as it glistens like a jewel in your mind's eye. Slowly it turns to gold and begins to grow larger, eventually covering your mind's screen entirely. It envelops your entire body with a golden glow. It evokes warm emotions throughout your body. You may bask in the feeling for as long as you want.

Namaste