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On nourishing ourselves with joy

We are made for joy. If we’re without it for long, we feel out of sorts,
because it’s not natural to be that way. We can see the relationship between
our mind and body so easily when we cultivate joy. Having our lives
nourished and sustained by joy is how we have a healthy immune system,
physically and spiritually. It helps us now, and in our whole life.

A method - extended

In his instructions on breath meditation, the Thai teacher, Ajaan Lee said
we should regard those places in the body that ache or are uncomfortable
as being like hoodlums or fools. Our task is to find some place in the body
that is comfortable and to focus on that.

In his method, Ajaan Lee taught that we should then let this comfortable
sensation spread throughout our entire body, to increase our sense of well
being and stability. He says this is like hanging out with good people –
eventually they’ll drive off the hoodlums and fools.

The same principle can be used when it comes to negative emotions or

states of mind – regard them too as hoodlums and fools. We can then
choose to focus on something positive and uplifting, and drive off the
discomfort and suffering.

Many people do something like this already. On a mantle at home, or at

the office, we have photographs of our children, teachers, or pets, or of a
sunset. Looking at this brings us some uplift, but maybe the experience is
not as full as it could be. Perhaps looking at the pictures, people will just
sort of zone out… like….’aaahhhh…’

To get the most out of any meditation, we have to enter into it consciously,
and remain aware. Just as with the breathing meditation, when looking at a
picture, or, bringing some positive memory to mind, or listening to music,
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we can identify the positive, uplifting energy, and, immersing ourselves in

it for a time, we can allow this beautiful energy to saturate our body and
mind, through and through. We can enjoy the feeling, and remain awake
with it.

In contrast to our usual way of looking at a picture, or memory, or listening,

this method takes intention, gentle concentration, to the exclusion of
everything else for a while, and remaining conscious throughout. We can
then permeate our body and mind with healthy feelings. This is one way to
ward off the hoodlums and fools of our negative mental – emotional states.

It’s my hope that we all regularly put our mind on things that are uplifting.
It’s not enough to just do this once in a while, or when we’re having some
problem. Of course, it works somewhat then too, but it’s better to build up
the strength of this practice when things are going well, and in ordinary
times. That way, we gradually build up a shelter, a refuge for ourselves,
and it will be there when we really need it. This is just a forward thinking,
common sense way to take care of ourselves.

A strong psychological immune system…

After we are out of a suffering state, even temporarily, then nourishing

ourselves spiritually takes on another role. This is the way we gradually
develop a strong, robust psychological immune system. We can actually
experience ourselves becoming resistant to negative thoughts and
emotions, less reactive, and with a higher level of overall happiness and
well being.

Something like this happens, for example, when we are just back from a
vacation, but here we are producing this effect consciously, and regularly,
as a way of taking care of ourselves.
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Mind effects body, body effects mind

Certainly, neurological and chemical changes take place in us because of

our thoughts and feelings. Positive states are healthy and strengthening to
our body, and this in turn can support our cultivation of the life we want
for ourselves.