I believe it was Shantideva who once observed, that all the joy within this world comes from wishing others to be happy. Whereas, suffering manifests in the space of wishing our own.

When I was a young mother, I wished only for my children’s happiness and well-being. I’d pray often from early day until night, “Please God, help me fill their lives with joy.”

Truth be told, I’d never known such a selfless desire; wanting for others in place of my own. At times, the energy was nearly overwhelming. Though, when they’d smile, my heart would swell — gifting an unbridled joy unlike any other I’d known.

Likewise, it shared perhaps my greatest life lesson. That is, the path to true joy is forged in service to others.

I pray we may all know the distinction between.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

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