Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/a-manner-of-speaking/5023896/
It all began with Roger’s photo of granddaughter Schon flying off this massive rock on the beach. Soaring! Imagine what it must feel like to soar.
Schon knows — that’s joy.
She and her brother Jonah used to play in the shade of this particular rock. Then, as they perceived its challenges and possibilities, they began their assault. They learned to find the toe- and finger-holds. Success, failure, determination. Little by little they mastered it and now they own it.
Schon does a circuit up and around, over, jump, circle and again, Jonah close behind. Mastery leads to races and time trials. Joy.
Joy is the pinnacle of happiness. It’s the moment when our feelings explode through us.
Subsequently, Roger and I have had conversations about joy. Thinking about what gives us joy, besides each other, of course! We share sensibilities about sources of happiness, what is likely to make any person, all people, happy. Yet what inspires joy is different for each one of us.
Zachary loves to body surf. When a powerful frigid wave pounds over him, smashing him into the sand, he struggles to his feet, cheering. Joy. Caroline thrives on being dramatic, controlling the play and the ...