August 15, 2024
Empathetic Joy in the Face of Jealousy
Jealousy, or envy, is a familiar feeling for most of us, even though we might not admit to it so easily. Described as “ubiquitous and invisible” in the Fall 2015 issue of Tricycle
magazine, jealousy is so common that it would appear to be something
readily discussed, but because it is often tinged with shame, it usually
goes unspoken.
Meditation teacher, psychotherapist, and hypnotherapist Mindy Newman
explores the guilt or shame often associated with jealousy in the latest issue of Tricycle.
She finds that the antidote to this ubiquitous but invisible emotion is
empathetic joy, one of the four sublime states, also known as the brahmaviharas or four immeasurables.
To embody empathetic joy, she says, we must start by recognizing and owning up to jealousy
in ourselves. While it may be painful, this first step alone creates
space from the afflictive emotion, and the necessary foundation to move
away from it. Eventually, shame can drop away and the roots of jealousy
may become clear. As we rejoice in the happiness and achievements of
others, their gains become ours, too.
This week’s Three Teachings presents practices for cultivating empathetic joy and appreciation as an antidote to jealousy.
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