Mindful Morning Verse:

We all want to be happy. We all want to feel joy. But, what creates happiness? What creates joy? What is the difference between the two? This is something I’ve been curious about that recently became clear once I finished reading No Mud, No Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh. I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s a simple, easy read, and so enlightening on many levels.

Happiness vs. Joy

Thich Nhat Hanh, renowned Vietnamese Zen master, author, poet, and peace activist, describes the difference between these emotions best, in my opinion, emphasizing their depth and nature in the context of mindfulness and inner peace.

Happiness: According to Thich Nhat Hanh, happiness is often seen as something that comes from external circumstances or achievements. It can be fleeting and dependent on conditions such as success, material possessions, or favorable situations. However, he taught that true happiness comes from within and is cultivated through mindfulness, compassion, and understanding.

Joy: Joy, in Thich Nhat Hanh’s view, is a deeper and more stable state that arises from mindfulness and a deep connection to the present moment. Joy is not dependent on external conditions but can be experienced in simple, everyday moments. It is a state of being that comes from appreciating life as it is and finding contentment in the present.

By understanding these distinctions, we can focus on cultivating a lasting sense of well-being through mindfulness and inner practices rather than relying solely on external sources of happiness.