Joy

In the non-dual state the boundaries of self and other melt away like morning mist in the warmth of the sun. Joy becomes more than just an emotion—it's an ever-present undercurrent, an eternal companion, and my very essence. Joy flows through the very fabric of existence, unceasing and unbounded, like a river that knows no beginning or end. It dances in the silent spaces between thoughts, whispering its sweet melodies of unity and interconnectedness.

In this state of oneness, joy is not something I search for, nor is it a fleeting sensation tied to specific moments or accomplishments. It is not dependent on external circumstances, for it arises from the deep realization that separation is an illusion. It is the heart's song, the soul's dance, and the rhythm of the universe. Joy is the gentle breeze that rustles the leaves of the tree of existence, and I, as much as there is an I, am that tree.

Resting in the embrace of non-dual awareness, joy arises naturally, unforced and unbidden. It's a laughter that bubbles up from the very core of being, unburdened by the weight of a self-identity. It's the laughter of recognition, as seeing oneself mirrored in the eyes of every living being and recognizing all as the infinite expressions of the One.

Joy is the radiance of a thousand suns, the light of Consciousness. It's the tender smile on a stranger's face, the chirping of birds in the early morning, the first drops of rain on parched earth. It's the sensation of sand between toes, the taste of ripe fruit, and the scent of a wildflower in bloom. Joy is in every breath, for each inhalation and exhalation is a celebration of life itself.

In the non-dual state there is no need for anticipation or nostalgia,  being immersed in the eternal now. Joy is the perfume of the present moment, and I dwell, intoxicated by its fragrance. Not a spectator in the grand theater of existence; being the play, the actors, and the audience all at once.

Joy is not an acquisition; it is a recognition. It's the "Aha!" of sure realizationof always having been whole, always complete, always one with the universe. Thus joy is my constant companion, my true nature, my middle name. It is the sweet symphony of the One, playing within and around me, the deep knowing that in the vast ocean of existence, I am not a drop, but the ocean itself.