Joy is a stepping stone

As you nurture faith, joy can arise.  Trust the universe, come what may, and joy is all that is felt. Suddenly, you know that whatever you need presents in your life without openly asking for it.  When you ask for things, you simply postpone what is here in the moment you are receptive.  Turn your head to the side and glimpse a spider spinning a web.  Notice how it feels to be a dew droplet glistening in the midst of this unfolding miracle.  Whatever you do, you are a miracle.

A joyful feeling of self-respect or good conscience is a stepping stone to deeper happiness and fuller concentration on what is real. Notice that to focus on what feels good, on what reflects balance and harmony, is deeply calming. Focusing on what does not appear to be going smoothly evokes a sense that something needs fixing or improving, and you take steps to make it happen.  In this case, effort appears to be a stepping stone to joy that you tell yourself is within reach.

Notice what bliss feels like. The deeper the focus on joy, the clearer the insight that arises.

Look into the mirror

When you get what you want in your struggle for self,

And the whole world makes you king for a day,

Just go to the mirror and look at yourself,

And see what that person has to say.

For it is not your father or mother, or spouse,

Whose judgement upon you must pass.

The being whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back at you from the mirror.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years

And get pats on the back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

If you cheated that soul staring back through the glass.

You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum,

And think your a wonderful creature,

But the person in the mirror says you're only a bum

If you can't look yourself in the eye.

That's the person to please--never mind all the rest,

For this being is with you for good.

And you've passed your most dangerous and difficult test

If the person in the mirror is your true friend.

*Borrowed from Bits & Pieces Vol. R/ No.41C