Embracing True Joy on Simchat Torah

As we approach Simchat Torah, I can't help but reflect on how as a culture we resist the emotion of joy.

When I say joy, I do not mean the happiness or the "high" that many of us chase.

Rather, I'm talking about the emotion of joy as it appears in the present moment.

It can feel uncomfortable to connect to the raw emotion of joy.

In psychology, the rule of “opposites” states that when one feels an emotion fully, we will also feel its polar opposite.

When we connect to tears of joy, we simultaneously feel the opposite feelings of sadness and pain that come along with it.

In reality, true joy requires vulnerability to connect. It asks us to be present to all the emotions that will arrive.

This year on Simchat Torah, I wish you the courage to connect to the essence of Simcha - the joy, pain/sadness inside of us all.