(Easter) Joy - Pillar #1

Perspective
“For every event in life,” says the Dali Lama, “there are many different angles.”

There is, perhaps, no greater route to joy than this. Taking a “God’s-eye perspective,” as Archbishop Tutu says, allows for the birth of empathy—the trait that creates joy not only in the one, but in the many. Empathy opens the door to togetherness, and keeps us from building walls around our individual selves—walls that keep out so many potential friends and allies. Realizing and accepting the validity of different perspectives turns “I” in to “we”. The anger and frustration that comes of living a life of “I,” makes sustained joy nearly impossible. Humans are social creatures in an interconnected world—there is no escaping our fellows.

Opening up to the lives and perspectives of others, and being willing to experience their suffering and hardships, reminds us that we, too, are not alone in our own difficulties. In nurturing perspective and allowing ourselves to see the world in a larger way, we open up the door for joy to come into our lives, and for us to open up that door for others unlike ourselves.


Taken from http://www.beliefnet.com/inspiration/the-eight-pillars-of-joy.aspx

“Too much self-centered thinking is the source of suffering.
A compassionate concern for others’ well-being is the source of happiness.” (Dali Lama)

Find the book here: http://bookofjoy.org/