I am more or less an even-keel type of guy, but, like everyone, I am subject to mood swings. Sometimes, I understand them; often, I don't. I don't know why, but for no apparent reason, I can find myself operating in a gloomy fugue when the sun is shining outside and nothing obvious is wrong on the inside. But yesterday, the opposite happened. I drove to the grocery store (hardly a treat) on a dank and cloudy day that was cold enough to begin to freeze the rain on the windshield.
On my way between the car and store, hood pulled way down over my forehead as protection from the elements, I experienced a kind of pure joy. I will name it and claim it as The Joy of Being for I know not what else to call it or how else to describe it.
I don't know why the power surge of gladness hit me then any more than I know why the waves of despondency sometimes break unbidden upon my shores.
It was great while it lasted though.
I like "The Joy of Being". It's good to experience it in a surge. For me it comes and goes in strength but it's generally there as a inescapable feeling. My experience surged slightly just reading about your surge.
ReplyDeleteIf only there were a way to experience that feeling all the time ...
ReplyDeleteFor me, AC, the best trigger for happiness is "the attitude of gratitude." But even that doesn't always work.
I felt the same type of power surge on my walk yesterday. I just kept walking, for an hour and a half until it was dark - it was exquisite. I just soaked it up.
ReplyDeleteI love the phrase "joy of being".
ReplyDeleteI too have experienced these moments. Remembering them keeps me going, through those darker times.