JOY! The fuel our brain is designed to run on.

The Bible makes a big deal out of joy! One of the most surprising recent discoveries in neuroscience is that joy is the fuel our brains are designed to run on. Joy is defined as, “I am glad to be with you.”

Located just behind the right eye (unformed at birth), it grows through human interactions. Body language and tone that reflect, “I am glad to be with you.” It’s why eye contact is so vital to the health and bonding that takes place in relationships.

You have the pleasure of bringing joy wherever you go. Whether it’s a happy greeting in the morning to your children or having coffee with a friend – allowing them to be themselves without judgement, or looking someone in the eyes with a smile. The conveying of the message, “I am glad to be with you,” is what stimulates the joy center of your brain. It creates in you a sense of well-being or an inner smile. Interestingly, to the degree that you experience joy in your life is to the capacity that you can process through trauma. Joy creates resiliency, identity, sense of self-worth and comfort within yourself. When we are experiencing tought times we can borrow joy from someone else. Joy multiplies from one brain to another.

Jesus was full of joy and He is always glad to be with you. That’s why it is so important to create a habit of sitting in His presence (presence in the Hebrew means: face-to-face) which stimulates your joy center. The more you experience His presence, the stronger your joy center grows, awakening what has already been lavishly deposited in you: everything you could ever need for life; sense of self, confidence, authority, wisdom and grace.

Unfortunately, some of us did not grow up with joy. We did not experience the delight in our caretaker’s face. It’s never too late. You can still develop joyful bonds with others now. Growing your brain’s joy center is a lifelong process. You can continue to grow yours by finding others who are joyful, who you know are glad to be with you and intentionally develop relationships with them. Stay away from toxic relationships. Also practicing gratitude stimulates joy.

Here’s a couple examples to practice:

1. Meditate on scripture that focuses on how Jesus sees you. Song of Songs in the Passion is a great place to start.
2. You can also focus on practicing gratitude on your own and with others. Share with someone you love what you appreciate about them.
3. When you’re on a walk or driving in the car, become aware of your surroundings and think about everything you are thankful for.

Become a joy spreader today! It’s a free gift you can offer to others and reap the benefits
yourself.