The Cycle of Joy

[00:00:11] Well, hello Collective Table Podcast. [00:00:14] Welcome back. As we focus on joy, our scripture reading for today is Proverbs 17:22 a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. [00:00:30] The Book of Proverbs is part of the Bible's wisdom literature, offering insights in how to live well. [00:00:38] This verse reminds us of the profound connection between joy and well being. [00:00:45] This ancient text isn't just poetic language. [00:00:49] Modern science in fact confirms that our mental and emotional health directly affects our physical health. [00:00:58] Joy can truly heal, while despair can weigh us down in every sense. [00:01:05] In recent years, social science has studied the impact of positive emotions on mental and physical health. Research consistently shows that cultivating joy, gratitude and connection boosts our immune systems, lowers our blood pressure, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. [00:01:27] Joy inducers like laughter, dancing, listening to music can all trigger the release of endorphins, our body's natural feel good chemicals. [00:01:39] Acts of kindness like smiling at someone or volunteering with others are mighty endorphin inducers because they generate a cycle of joy that moves from one person to another. [00:01:55] Can you imagine if just leading with your smile might bring healing to the world and maybe to yourself? [00:02:06] Prioritizing moments of joy throughout the day help us build lasting resources of resilience. [00:02:14] For your practice today, why don't you turn on some loud music and dance in whatever way your body is able? [00:02:23] Let your body feel joy all the way down to your toes. [00:02:28] And if you can smile and laugh with someone else in the process, go for it. [00:02:35] Will you pray with me? [00:02:38] Divine Joyful Goodness Help us remember to continue to put ourselves in the way of joy. Every day we're busy, we have work and things to do. But God help us to take a moment, breathe in the goodness, enjoy a simple pleasure. [00:03:05] Thank you. Amen.