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Meditation for joy

Who is a source of joy in your life? What people, places or things bring you a deep sense of joy? And how do you share this joy with the world?
This guided meditation invites you to reflect on the things that bring light to your life while exploring the idea of spiritual joy: how did ancient spiritual thinkers understand this concept, and what could it mean to experience God as a source of joy today?

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Meditate on joy ...

Have you ever wondered where joy comes from? Are your loved ones the biggest source of joy in your life? Or do you feel most content when you’re out in nature? Perhaps your passion project is what truly makes your heart sing.

In this meditation, you’re invited to reflect deeply and personally on joy. As you call to mind sources of joy in your life, you’re given space to express gratitude for the people and places that lift you up.

As this joy meditation progresses, you’ll explore the concept of spiritual joy. What does it mean to experience joy beyond earthly things? Is there a deeper sense of joy out there, yet to be experienced? How have ancient writers viewed God as a source of joy in their life? And how can these ancient thoughts help you better understand and seek it out today?

Download joy meditation script

‘You make known to me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy.’   

Psalms, the Bible

The story behind these words

In the Bible, ancient writers share personal reflections on where joy comes from, how to live joyfully, and how to experience joy to the full.

In the book of Psalms – the Bible’s songbook – we find the author reflecting on the idea that God is a source of joy in his own life. Talking about God, the author writes: ‘In your presence there is fullness of joy’ (Psalm 16.11).

This writer doesn’t view God as a distant being, but as one whose presence he can be in, and loves to be in. A presence that adds a rich, deep sense of joy to life.

Have you ever been with a close friend and felt something similar? Or had an experience that felt like the fullness of joy this author is talking about, running deeper than a fleeting moment of happiness?

As you listen to these words, you’ll be able to reflect on the perspective of ancient spiritual thinkers, and what these depictions of a higher presence might mean to you.

Hang on: can you have a positive mindset all the time?

So, is it really possible to live joyfully? Or are we entering toxic positivity territory here? 

Although this meditation focuses on joy, the Bible paints a much larger picture about human emotion – grief, fear and worry included.

This guided meditation focuses on how a group of ancients sought out joy, even in difficult circumstances. How? Through their spiritual beliefs, their relationships, and by adopting a mindset of gratitude.

Maybe this is something you can relate to. Have you faced challenging times, but still experienced moments of joy – perhaps through nature or by spending quality time with a loved one?

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