#2 Joyful Beliefs 2023

JOYFUL BELIEFS 2023
The Month for Believing in Joy,
February 10 to March 21, 2023

I cannot believe that the inscrutable universe
turns on an axis of suffering;
surely the strange beauty of the world must
somewhere rest on pure joy.
–Louise Bogan

These forty precious days tease us into springtime. In addition to the daily weather fantasias, our days are filled with celebrations of love and loving, of noble birthdays, plus rich opportunities to honor how much Black Lives Matter while we observe Black History Month.

In our inner worlds, we practitioners of Joy explore again those beliefs we are able to maintain about joy as a force, and force field, and even as an essential element of creation.

As we grow ever greater clarity about joy’s place in the inner world where beliefs reside, let’s also invite an opportunity this month to review and renew the array of beliefs that give us joy, that add to our aliveness, and even lead us sometimes to bliss, those beliefs that sustain, entertain, delight, and some that beg to be tested. For example, where do such beliefs grow into certainty, become knowledge, then evolve into wisdom? And into action?

Niyazi Misri, the 17th Century Sufi Poet of Love, teaches us of the Friend:

“Whatever their ways, they are all in love with you. Each comes by a path to the rose garden.”

Let’s visit, then, the rose garden that is love to test the progression of joyful beliefs:

For example, Do I believe that something called love exists?

Yes. And I believe with certainty that love makes a difference, love matters.
I also believe, in fact I know, love can grow.

Can I believe that I can love?

Yes.

Can I believe that I can help love grow?

Yes.

Do I believe that I know or can learn how to help love grow?

Yes. By speaking it, feeling it, giving thanks for it, writing it, remembering it, cherishing its presence wherever and whenever I see it, or feel it.

Do I believe that I will do more to help love grow?

Yes.
That is a belief that brings commitment, energy, exploration, even a reason for being alive and staying alive. A joy-filled belief.

Welcome to the Rose Garden!

Joy in the World
And in me.

Praise. Praise. Praise.