Spread a Little JOY

Science has confirmed that a "Joy Center" exists in the right orbital prefrontal cortex of the brain. It has executive control over the entire emotional system. A naturally developed joy center acts as a regulator of emotions, pain tolerance and overall immune system. A healthy, mature joy center produces and releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which enhance a person's sense of well-being.

In the first two years of a child's development, their joy center is highly activated and seeks to be stimulated. The experience of joy is one of the most intense desires, especially in developing a loving relationship, i.e. with mom, dad, sibling or anyone offering loving attention. The impulse to be recognized by someone else in a joyful fashion is part of the basic human need. Everyone is empowered by joy when people are in relationships that are authentic and when others sincerely are "happy" to be with them.

Basically, joy produces more joy--in the "joy giver" and the "joy receiver." It is contagious and can trigger a spontaneous shift in multitudes when activated. When two people see joy in each other, technically, the joy ping pongs back and forth and multiplies at a rate of six cycles per second. This intensity of the joy is increased or intensified by each exchanged and can be magnified even more when using other senses besides visual such as touch and sound.

Okay, now that you have that important little ditty about joy, the next step is to "Build and Strengthen Your Joy Center." Try these basic practices:

• Use your face. Simply put -- smile more!


• Check your tone. Oh, boy, we are all guilty of having a certain "tone." Unfortunately, it is not the one we should use, which would be sincere, kind, gentle. Listen the next time you talk; adjust your tone.


• Be interested. When someone else is speaking or wanting to explain something, pay attention. Ask inviting questions that show your interest. Listen, really listen, without interruption. Again, not always easy (especially for me), but make it a practice.


• Show some respect. Just be a decent person; treating others with dignity. Yes, just like you want to be treated. Everyone desires the respect of another and everyone wants to be validated. Take the lead.


• Thoughtfulness is king. Make the time to consider someone and then show them by doing something kind. It can be as simple a personal note, a small gift, a helping hand or a gentle touch.


• Make the connection. Whether it be a loving hug, a sweet whisper, an approving glance, a meaningful dialog, a moving melody, or even a prayerful thought; make an effort to send out your joy.

Hmmm, you may be saying, "Seems like I am doing all the work!" In truth, you are only doing a small part of the "joy building" process. By incorporating the few practices mentioned, you would be a "spreader of joy." As you become mindful of bringing joy to others, its natural spontaneous response does the rest of the work. Its a win, win effort.

Spread a little joy and a little joy will spread and spread and spread!

And you will be happier, too!

In light,

Maggie Kalas
http://www.attitudelift.com/