Joy As Our Essential Nature

“Aren’t you a little bundle of Joy?” Riley’s dad whispers in awe during the opening scene of Pixar’s Inside Out.

For those first 33 seconds of life, it’s just Riley and Joy. They came into the world together. And even as headquarters becomes more crowded with the addition of Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, Riley and Joy maintain a special bond.

Throughout the film, we see Riley’s other emotions turn to Joy as their leader. They look to her for direction in times of doubt and uncertainty.

Puberty hits in Inside Out 2, and headquarters expands to make space for more emotions and more nuance. With this additional complexity, Joy’s leadership is challenged by Embarrassment, Envy, Ennui, and of course – Anxiety.

While Joy lives in the present, Anxiety is focused on planning for Riley’s future. “You just aren’t what she needs anymore, Joy.” – Anxiety says.

And yet, in a moment of intense panic, as her vision blurs and Anxiety loses control, we see Riley turn her face to the sun and call out for Joy.

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If you haven’t seen these two incredible films, you need to. Because in reality, we aren’t so different from Riley.

Joy is inherent within each of us. We too can look to Joy for direction in times of doubt and uncertainty. And we have the option to choose Joy, even in the midst of suffering.

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How do we do this?

To answer that question, we need a bit of evidence that’s… well… not in cartoon form. (Although the scene where Riley turns her face to the sun is a great hint!)

We’ll talk more about the science next week, but Joy primarily exists in the part of our brain that does not communicate in words. This part of our brain communicates and takes in information experientially – through our senses.

The first step to invite more Joy into our lives is to slow down and learn how Joy communicates to us physically.

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Give it a try!

Think of a joyful memory. For many, these also tend to be quite simple, pleasant, or peaceful memories. Dive back into that moment and soak in the sensations.

Notice what’s happening inside your body. What physical cues do you observe? Maybe your shoulders drop away from your ears. Maybe your chest expands, inviting in a natural deep breath. Maybe the tension in your body dissipates, ever so slightly.

Over the next week, continue to listen for these signs. Notice how Joy speaks to you somatically. And maybe, maybe start looking to Joy for direction.

Joy, after all, is part of your essential nature.