Joy versus Happiness

Which one is better? Joy or Happiness? What do you think? I think when we have been able to find joy, we certainly have found happiness too. And vice versa. I think joy and happiness are both in the same level of excitement. But, when you read the article below about "Joy versus Happiness" (via lessons4living), you'll have a different point of view of both terms. It is said that joy has a deeper experience than happiness, I agree on that statement. Whatever it is...what makes it good is that either joy or happiness contains good feelings within all of us =)

Joy versus Happiness

It is far better to seek "joy." Joy is related to happiness, but it is a deeper experience. In the search for happiness the individual focuses upon himself, but joy moves a person out of a self-centered preoccupation and provides an orientation towards others. Joy is an experience which connects us to that which is "Greater" than we are. It connects us to the creative power that is more than the "I" or ego. Joy gets us out of ourselves and in contact with this "Other" and with others. Joy can sustain us throughout the four phases of life. If we are willing to give up the search for happiness, we may find joy. It exists near the center of the wheel where happiness and suffering meet and intermingle.

To make such a move off the rim from happiness into suffering requires faith. Faith is also found at the center of the Wheel of Life. It is where Loss and Hope intersect. Faith comes from the action of moving towards the center. It is not that we have faith first and then act. We act first. Moving towards hope in the midst of loss gives birth to faith. This is a move that engages rather than avoids suffering. The creative power at the center of the wheel brings into being Faith and Joy. They exist in the context and container of Love, which is also at the center of the wheel. To love is to respect and value ourselves while breaking out of limited self interest and reaching out to others. It is Love, Joy, and Faith that give meaning to life, and they arise from being centered.

(article source: lessons4living.com - image source: helena1.tumblr & amandaricka.tumblr)