Barriers and overcoming barriers to mudita
I've been tendering the proposal that the prime motivation for simple generosity is mudita, our joy in the joy of another. I refer to mudita as "resonant joy."
It sounds good, and easier than always possible given the range of feelings embedded in our relationships. There are three classic barriers to mudita: 1. Jealousy ... I'm not happy because another's gain reminds me of my lacks
2. Dislike ... I don't like this person and seeing them happy conflicts with my feelings about them
3. Self-absorption ... I'm too caught up in my own unhappiness to be interested in anyone else's happiness Three classic practice paths to mudita: 1. Start small
2. Savor gratefulness for another's gain
3. Focus first on people who are demonstrative in their appreciation Odd as it sounds, we have to cultivate our capacity for mudita. For some, it comes more naturally and for others it is a significant learning curve, but key to our ability to give and receive in order to experience our joy in the joy of another.
It sounds good, and easier than always possible given the range of feelings embedded in our relationships. There are three classic barriers to mudita: 1. Jealousy ... I'm not happy because another's gain reminds me of my lacks
2. Dislike ... I don't like this person and seeing them happy conflicts with my feelings about them
3. Self-absorption ... I'm too caught up in my own unhappiness to be interested in anyone else's happiness Three classic practice paths to mudita: 1. Start small
2. Savor gratefulness for another's gain
3. Focus first on people who are demonstrative in their appreciation Odd as it sounds, we have to cultivate our capacity for mudita. For some, it comes more naturally and for others it is a significant learning curve, but key to our ability to give and receive in order to experience our joy in the joy of another.
