“suffering is what makes us appreciate joy” Tibetan saying.
I came across a documentary on @netflixsa the other day about two people who in spite of their individual life challenges mastered the practice of joy as a way of being rather an emotion that is occasionally felt.
@missionjoyfilm Mission:Joy is a dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu which dispels the notion that joy can only be experienced if our lives are problem free.
The Dalai Lama and the Archbishop suffered injustices in their lifetime – the Dalai Lama separated from his mother at age 2 after being recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor, taking on political responsibility at age 16, and finally fleeing his country at age 24 as a refugee; the Archbishop faced frightful health challenges from childhood, a father who became abusive when intoxicated and being a black man in apartheid South Africa. Both figures, in their own sentiment believe that joy is an internal state of being, found in the ability to turn personal suffering into compassion and kindness toward others. To be ‘wise selfish rather than foolish selfish.’ To live the spirit of ‘Ubuntu.’
Like the Quran teaches (Islamic holy scripture) Archbishop Tutu echoes that holding onto joy requires us to be ‘prisoners of hope.’ Serenity doesn’t come ready made, it is found in prayer, meditation, gentleness and compassion.’
Mission:Joy is a heartwarming invitation into the lives of these two funny, mischievous and playful characters who – in spite of their suffering – made it their mission to spread compassion and kindness, to remain joyful and hopeful, unreservedly so. In this, they cultivated an extraordinary friendship rooted in mutual respect for each other. The banter between them is also just too cute.
🔹What are some of your Joy reflections?
🔹Coincidentally, February’s theme is friendship