1) Because it’s a good way to get things done.
To quote the chassidic classic Tanya, by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745–1812): “Just like in the case of two people wrestling, each trying to throw down the other, if one of them moves with sloth and lethargy, he will be easily defeated and felled, even if he is stronger than his fellow. So, too, in battling one’s evil inclination, one can prevail over it . . . only with alacrity that comes from joy, and from a heart that is free and cleansed from every trace of worry and sadness.” Applies to wrestling, moral battles and everything in between.
2) Because it’s a good thing to do.
Why should joy be just a tool, a means to an end? It’s a good thing in its own right, a better way to be. And it’s not that difficult to achieve. Just focus on all the good things you have and are a part of, and on how much more real and enduring they are than the not-such-good things. So, even if the latter are taking center stage in your life, they don’t belong there. Push them off, and bring on the real players.
3) Because it’s a happy time.
Being happy sometimes takes an effort to achieve, as in reason #2 above. But there are times when happiness is in the air, and all you need to do is open yourself to it and allow it to enter your soul. We’re now in such a time. Our sages tell us that “when the month of Adar enters, joy increases.” As Haman unhappily (for him) discovered, it’s a time when good things happen to the Jewish people. You don’t have to do anything to experience it—just don’t shut it out.
4) Because it’s what you are.
This one is not really a “reason,” so I guess that means there are really three reasons, not four. The chassidic masters tell us that our soul is “literally a part of G‑d.” So joy, ultimately, is not a technique to master, nor a goal to achieve, nor even a state to surrender to. It’s what we are, by virtue of our bond with the One who “strength and joy are in His place” (I Chronicles 16:27). Why hide from what we are?
It is not enough to read or say the words, although they have merit. In order to be happy, one must be *infected* with this energy from another. Truly, laughter, mirth, happiness are infectious. In order to receive this energy, there must be receptors. All emotions have hormone receptors connected to them and by them they are emitted and secreted. Many people (self included) are literally programmed for negativity and so their receptors for positive emotions have gone dormant or in extreme cases have been shut down or cut-off preventing receiving the energy, containing it and absorbing it - this to begin to manufacture it ourselves in our bodies/minds. It is a process of being ignited, beamed and contained. Who will infect us with this energy of happiness when we ourselves cannot muster up the energy? It is unique - each according to their specific psychological/emotional/spiritual make-up.
Love the infectiousness comment. When I think about it, babies do it all the time. One cried the other cries too. They don't know why - they just need to (oh no!) We really are connected and sense one another. I agree that we can all get out of ourselves and distract ourselves by generating joy through acts of service. It's good for ourselves and each other. After all the opposite of self-will (ratzon shel atom, no?)
I am loving this happiness reflection/conversation. Learning more about the importance of being of service toward one another as a way of getting out of our own funk. Cool!